A pterygium is a triangular thickening of the conjunctiva (outer coating of the eye) that grows onto the cornea (the clear front window of the eyeball). It may grow large enough to interfere with vision and frequently causes redness, irritation, and tearing, especially with fatigue and in dry, dusty or windy environments.

The exact cause is not well understood. Long-term exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) rays, and chronic eye irritation from dry; dusty conditions seem to play an important role. Hence Pterygium occurs more often in people who spend a great deal of time outdoors, especially in sunny and dusty climates. A dry eye may contribute to pterygium as well.

How is pterygium treated?

When a pterygium becomes red and irritated, eye drops or ointments may be used to soothe the inflammation. If these treatments fail, or the pterygium grows large enough to threaten sight it can be removed surgically. Modern surgical techniques for pterygium have reduced the likelihood of re-growth after surgery from 50% with older techniques to less than 1%.

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A pingueculum is a yellowish thickening of the conjunctiva (the outer coating on the white of the eye) near the edge of the cornea, usually on the nasal (nose) side. Unlike a pterygium, a pingueculum does not actually grow onto the cornea. It is a benign (non-cancerous) thickening of normal tissue. Pingueculum usually appears in adult life but may grow with time. Dry, dusty environments and ultraviolet exposure are the causes of pingueculum.

How is pinguecula treated?

Since a pingueculum does not grow onto the cornea or threaten sight, no treatment is necessary unless it becomes inflamed. On very rare occasions a pingueculum may be surgically removed for cosmetic reasons.

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