Pinguecula

A pinguecula is a small, raised spot on the white part of the eye. The white part of the eye is called the sclera. The clear skin that covers the sclera is called the conjunctiva. A pinguecula grows inside the conjunctiva. It usually sits close to the edge of the cornea. The cornea is the clear, round window in the front of the eye.

A pinguecula is a small, slightly raised, yellow or cream-colored bump on the white part of the eye (the conjunctiva). It usually appears on the side of the eye closest to the nose. It is not a tumor and not a cancer. It is a degeneration or “wear-and-tear” change in the thin clear skin that covers the eyeball. Sunlight (especially ultraviolet or UV light), wind, and dust are the most common triggers over many years. Most pingueculae do not grow onto the clear window of the eye (the cornea) and therefore do not hurt vision. They can feel dry, gritty, or look cosmetically bothersome. When the bump gets inflamed and red, doctors call it pingueculitis. First-line care is usually lubricating “artificial tear” eye drops; short courses of anti-inflammatory drops can be used when it is inflamed. Rarely, if the bump keeps causing problems or you dislike the look, it can be removed. AAONCBIHopkins MedicineCleveland Clinic

A pinguecula often looks yellow, cream, or pale. It can also look slightly pink if it is irritated. It is most common on the side of the eye closest to the nose. It can also appear on the side closer to the ear. It can be on one eye or both eyes. It can be small and flat, or it can be a little raised like a tiny bump.

A pinguecula is a degenerative change in the conjunctiva. This means the tissue has slowly changed because of long-term exposure to things like sunlight, wind, dust, and dry air. The normal collagen and elastic fibers in the conjunctiva break down and thicken. Fat-like deposits and protein build up. Doctors call this “elastotic degeneration.”

A pinguecula does not grow over the cornea. This is the key difference from a pterygium. A pterygium is a wing-shaped growth that starts on the conjunctiva and then moves onto the cornea. A pinguecula stays on the conjunctiva and stops at the border called the limbus.

A pinguecula is non-cancerous. It is a benign change. It does not turn into cancer. It can get inflamed. When it gets inflamed, the area becomes red, swollen, and sore. Doctors call this “pingueculitis.” Even then, it is still not cancer.

Pingueculae are more common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors. They are common in people who live near the equator or at high altitude. They are common in people who work in wind, dust, or dry air. They can happen at any age, but they are more common as people get older.

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Types of pinguecula

Doctors do not use a strict, official list of types. But in real life, pingueculae can be described in several helpful ways. These “types” make it easier to explain what you have and what to expect.

1. Quiet pinguecula (non-inflamed).
   This is the most common type. It looks like a small, pale, slightly raised spot. It does not hurt. It may only cause mild dryness or a feeling of grit. The eye is not very red.

2. Pingueculitis (inflamed pinguecula).
   The pinguecula becomes irritated. It turns red and swollen. The eye may burn, sting, or tear. Light can feel uncomfortable. This may happen after strong sun, wind, or dust exposure.

3. Nasal pinguecula.
   The spot sits on the side of the eye closer to the nose (at about the “3 o’clock” position in the right eye or “9 o’clock” in the left eye). This is the most common location because sunlight reflects off the nose and increases UV exposure there.

4. Temporal pinguecula.
   The spot sits on the side of the eye closer to the ear (about “9 o’clock” in the right eye or “3 o’clock” in the left eye). It is less common than the nasal side but still normal.

5. Actinic (sun-related) pinguecula.
   This type is strongly linked to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or welding arcs. It is common in outdoor workers and surfers. UV light breaks down the tissue and speeds the degenerative process.

6. Dry-eye associated pinguecula.
   Here the main driver is poor tear film quality. The tears do not protect the surface well. The ocular surface becomes dry and inflamed. The conjunctiva changes more rapidly in this setting.

7. Contact lens-related pinguecula.
   Long-term contact lens wear can cause friction on the conjunctiva, especially with poor lens fit or lens deposits. This repeated micro-rubbing can enlarge a pinguecula or make it more irritated.

8. Calcific pinguecula.
   The spot looks whiter and a bit chalky. Calcium can deposit in long-standing lesions. It may feel more raised and may catch on the eyelid during blinking.

9. Pigmented pinguecula.
   The lesion looks yellow-brown because pigment from nearby tissue sits on the surface. This is still benign. Your eye doctor checks it to be sure it is not a different pigmented lesion.

10. Pinguecula with “dellen” risk.
    A “dellen” is a small, dry, shallow dip in the cornea next to a raised lesion. A taller pinguecula can disrupt the flow of tears. The area beside it can dry out and form a dellen. This can blur vision and needs care to re-wet the cornea.

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Causes and risk factors

A “cause” here means anything that increases the chance of the conjunctiva changing in this way. Many items below work together over years.

1. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.
   UV-A and UV-B rays damage the surface proteins and collagen. This is the most important factor.

2. Bright artificial UV (for example, welding arcs).
   Arc welding creates strong UV. Without eye protection, damage can build up over time.

3. Chronic dry air.
   Dry indoor air or air-conditioned spaces reduce tear moisture. The surface dries and becomes inflamed.

4. Wind exposure.
   Wind speeds up tear evaporation. It also blows dust and sand across the eye surface.

5. Dust and airborne grit.
   Tiny particles rub the surface and irritate it day after day. This drives inflammation and tissue change.

6. Smoke exposure.
   Cigarette smoke and environmental smoke irritate the eyes and worsen surface inflammation.

7. Air pollution and chemicals.
   Pollutants, fumes, and solvents can irritate the conjunctiva and speed degeneration.

8. High altitude living or working.
   UV is stronger at high altitude. Reflection off snow and rock adds more exposure.

9. Equatorial or sunny climates.
   People living near the equator get more UV during the year. Outdoor jobs in these areas raise risk.

10. Outdoor sports and hobbies.
    Surfing, sailing, skiing, hiking, farming, and construction increase sun, wind, and dust exposure.

11. Aging.
    With age, the conjunctival tissue naturally breaks down and becomes more prone to elastotic change.

12. Chronic eye rubbing.
    Rubbing adds mechanical stress and can aggravate a raised lesion.

13. Contact lens wear.
    Poor lens fit, lens deposits, and long hours of wear can cause ongoing friction.

14. Dry eye disease (tear film instability).
    Low tear quantity or poor tear quality reduces protection and increases inflammation.

15. Meibomian gland dysfunction.
    These oil glands in the eyelids help prevent tears from evaporating. When they fail, the surface dries.

16. Allergic conjunctivitis.
    Allergies cause itching and rubbing. Histamine and inflammation also irritate the surface.

17. Vitamin A deficiency (rare in developed settings).
    Severe deficiency harms the ocular surface and goblet cells that make mucin for tears.

18. Hot, dusty workplace conditions.
    Foundries, farms, mills, mines, deserts, and construction sites raise risk.

19. Lack of protective eyewear.
    Not using sunglasses or safety glasses removes a key barrier to UV and grit.

20. Genetic and skin traits that burn easily.
    People with lighter skin or who sunburn easily may be more sensitive to UV and surface damage.

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Symptoms and signs

1. No symptoms at all.
   Many people only notice a small yellow spot by chance in a mirror.

2. A cosmetic concern.
   The spot can be visible to others and cause worry even when it is harmless.

3. Feeling of a foreign body.
   It may feel like there is sand or a tiny hair in the eye, especially when blinking.

4. Dryness.
   The eye can feel dry because the tear film breaks up faster over and around the raised area.

5. Burning or stinging.
   The surface is irritated and can burn, especially in wind or air-conditioning.

6. Itching.
   Mild itching is common, especially if there is allergy.

7. Redness.
   The white part around the spot can look pink or red, especially when inflamed.

8. Tearing (watery eye).
   The eye can water in response to irritation, wind, or sunlight.

9. Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
   Bright light can feel harsh during flare-ups of pingueculitis.

10. Mild pain or soreness.
    Usually the pain is low-grade. If pain is strong, the doctor checks for other problems.

11. Gritty feeling through the day.
    Symptoms can slowly build up as the surface dries out over hours.

12. Contact lens discomfort.
    A raised pinguecula can rub on the lens edge and make lenses harder to wear.

13. Intermittent blurred vision.
    Vision can blur when the tears are unstable. Blinking may clear it for a moment.

14. A visible “bump.”
    You may see a small, raised, pale mound on the white of the eye near the cornea.

15. Local dryness next to the bump (dellen).
    In some cases the cornea beside a tall lesion dries and forms a shallow dip that blurs vision.

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Diagnostic tests

Important: Doctors diagnose a pinguecula mainly by looking at the eye with a slit-lamp microscope. Most people do not need many tests. The extra tests below help measure dryness, check comfort, and rule out other problems. The list is long to be complete and educational. Your eye doctor will choose only what you actually need.

1. Physical exam — Visual acuity check.
   You read letters on an eye chart. This shows how well you see. A pinguecula usually does not reduce vision unless dryness or a dellen is present. If vision is worse than expected, the doctor looks for other causes too.

2. Physical exam — External eye inspection.
   The doctor looks at the face, lids, lashes, and white of the eye with a bright light. They look for a yellow, raised spot near the cornea. They note the size, color, and exact location.

3. Physical exam — Slit-lamp biomicroscopy (white light).
   This is the key exam. You place your chin on a support. A microscope with a beam of light shows a magnified view. The doctor confirms the lesion is on the conjunctiva and not crossing onto the cornea. They look for redness, swelling, or calcium.

4. Physical exam — Eyelid eversion and lid-margin exam.
   The upper lid is gently flipped to look under it. The lid margins and meibomian glands are checked. Lid disease can worsen dryness and irritation around a pinguecula.

5. Manual test — Fluorescein dye with tear breakup time (TBUT).
   A safe yellow dye is placed in the tears. Under blue light the doctor watches how fast the tear film breaks into dry spots. A short TBUT means unstable tears and explains burning or blur.

6. Manual test — Lissamine green or Rose Bengal staining.
   These dyes stain damaged or unprotected surface cells. Staining around the pinguecula shows surface stress from dryness or friction.

7. Manual test — Schirmer I test (without anesthesia).
   A small strip of paper rests inside the lower lid for five minutes. The strip shows how much tears you make. Low numbers suggest tear deficiency.

8. Manual test — Phenol red thread test.
   A thin thread that changes color with tears is placed for 15 seconds. It is a quick way to estimate tear volume in sensitive eyes.

9. Manual test — Meibomian gland expression.
   The doctor gently presses the lids to see the quality of the oil from the meibomian glands. Thick or toothpaste-like oil means gland dysfunction that worsens dryness.

10. Manual test — Tear meniscus height estimation.
    The small “lake” of tears along the lower lid is viewed and measured at the slit lamp. A low meniscus suggests low tear volume.

11. Lab/pathological — Tear osmolarity.
    A tiny sample of tears is analyzed by a small device. High osmolarity means the tears are saltier and the surface is under stress, which matches dry eye disease.

12. Lab/pathological — MMP-9 point-of-care test.
    A simple in-office swab detects an inflammatory enzyme called MMP-9. A positive result supports surface inflammation.

13. Lab/pathological — Impression cytology.
    A soft membrane is gently pressed on the conjunctiva to collect cells. A lab looks at the cells for signs of squamous metaplasia and loss of goblet cells. This confirms chronic surface stress.

14. Lab/pathological — Conjunctival biopsy and histopathology (rare).
    If a lesion looks unusual or grows fast, a small sample is taken. A pathologist checks for pre-cancer or other rare conditions. This is not routine for a typical pinguecula.

15. Electrodiagnostic — Visual evoked potential (VEP) (rare; not routine).
    Sensors on the head measure the brain’s response to visual patterns. This test is not used for pinguecula itself. It is only used if severe light sensitivity or vision loss suggests a problem deeper in the visual pathway and other tests are normal.

16. Electrodiagnostic — Electroretinography (ERG) (rare; not routine).
    This measures the retina’s electrical response to light. Like VEP, it is not for a simple pinguecula but may be used to rule out retinal causes of symptoms if the clinical picture is confusing.

17. Imaging — Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).
    This is a painless scan that shows a cross-section of the front of the eye. It outlines the pinguecula’s height and borders. It also confirms that the growth does not enter the cornea (unlike a pterygium).

18. Imaging — In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).
    This special microscope looks at cells in living tissue. It can show thickened collagen bundles and surface changes that match elastotic degeneration. It is mainly used in research or complex cases.

19. Imaging — Meibography (infrared).
    Infrared images show the structure of the meibomian glands inside the lids. Loss or distortion of these glands explains evaporation-driven dryness that irritates a pinguecula.

20. Imaging — Corneal topography/keratography.
    A map of the cornea’s shape checks for areas of flattening or steepening near a tall pinguecula or dellen. It helps explain fluctuating vision and guides treatment for dryness.

Non-pharmacological treatments (therapies & daily measures)

1. UV-blocking sunglasses (wraparound) – cut UV and wind; lowers irritation and future growth risk. Mechanism: blocks harmful light and drying air. Purpose: comfort and prevention. AAO

2. Wide-brim hat – reduces direct sunlight from above and from reflections. Mechanism: shades eyes. AAO

3. Moisture-chamber or wind-shielding eyewear – creates a humid pocket; helpful in dry, windy, or dusty places. Mechanism: reduces evaporation and particle exposure. Hopkins Medicine

4. Avoid eye rubbing – prevents more mechanical irritation. Mechanism: lowers inflammation cycles. Hopkins Medicine

5. Humidifier at home/work – adds moisture to air; reduces tear evaporation and grittiness. Mechanism: improves tear film stability. Hopkins Medicine

6. Blink breaks (20-20-20 rule) – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink. Mechanism: restores tear film during screen use. Hopkins Medicine

7. Lid hygiene & warm compresses – cleans lids and melts clogged oils; better oil layer means slower evaporation. Purpose: reduce dryness around the bump. Hopkins Medicine

8. Protective eyewear at work – safety glasses/goggles in dusty, windy, or chemical settings. Mechanism: barrier protection. Hopkins Medicine

9. Allergen control – keep bedrooms clean, manage pets/dust; reduces itch and rubbing. Mechanism: less histamine-driven irritation. Hopkins Medicine

10. Contact lens “holiday” on flare days – skip lenses when the bump is inflamed; reduces friction. Purpose: comfort. Hopkins Medicine

11. Switch to daily disposable lenses (if you must wear lenses) – cleaner surface → fewer irritants. Mechanism: less deposit build-up. Hopkins Medicine

12. Cold compresses during flares – 5–10 minutes reduces redness and discomfort. Mechanism: vasoconstriction calms inflammation. Hopkins Medicine

13. Hydration – drink water regularly to support tear production. Purpose: complements other dryness measures. Hopkins Medicine

14. Smoke & pollutant avoidance – stay away from cigarette smoke and smog when possible. Mechanism: fewer irritants on the surface. Hopkins Medicine

15. Plan outdoor time smartly – avoid midday sun and high UV index periods if you can. Mechanism: lower UV dose. AAO

16. Balanced sleep – poor sleep worsens ocular surface stress; aim for regular rest. Purpose: healing time for surface.

17. Saline eye rinses after dusty exposure – gently wash out particles; do not over-irrigate. Purpose: quicker recovery.

18. Screen ergonomics – position screens slightly below eye level to expose less surface and slow evaporation.

19. Nutritional pattern rich in antioxidants and omega-3s – supportive for tear film and surface health (diet details below).

20. Regular eye checks – to confirm it remains benign and to manage dry eye/allergy factors. Purpose: prevention and safety. Hopkins Medicine

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Drug treatments

Important: These medicines relieve symptoms and calm inflammation; they do not “dissolve” the bump. Doctors choose the safest option for your eyes and will tailor dose and duration.

1. Artificial tears (carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, povidone, hyaluronic acid)
   Class: lubricants. Dose/time: 1–2 drops per eye, 3–6×/day; can be hourly during flares; preservative-free preferred if frequent use.
   Purpose: reduce dryness, grittiness, foreign-body sensation. Mechanism: replaces and stabilizes the tear film. Side effects: brief blur/sting; rare allergy. Hopkins Medicine

2. Lubricating gels/ointments (night use)
   Class: lubricants. Dose: pea-sized ribbon at bedtime.
   Purpose: overnight comfort. Mechanism: thicker tear substitute coats surface longer. Side effects: temporary blurred vision after application. Hopkins Medicine

3. Topical corticosteroids (e.g., loteprednol 0.2–0.5%, fluorometholone 0.1%)
   Class: anti-inflammatory steroid. Dose: typically 1 drop 3–4×/day for 5–10 days, then taper; short courses only under supervision.
   Purpose: treats pingueculitis (red, inflamed phase). Mechanism: suppresses inflammatory pathways. Side effects: elevated eye pressure, cataract with prolonged/repeated use, infection risk—hence supervision. Hopkins Medicine

4. Topical NSAIDs (e.g., ketorolac 0.4–0.5%, diclofenac 0.1%, nepafenac 0.1%, bromfenac 0.07%)
   Class: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Dose: usually 1 drop 2–4×/day for up to 7–14 days for inflamed episodes.
   Purpose: steroid-sparing relief of redness/soreness. Mechanism: blocks cyclo-oxygenase and prostaglandins. Side effects: sting on instillation; rare corneal complications with prolonged/unsupervised use—use briefly and under guidance. Evidence includes older trials with indomethacin 0.1% showing symptomatic relief in inflamed pinguecula/pterygium. PubMedScienceDirect

5. Antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer combos (e.g., olopatadine 0.1% BID or 0.2% QD; ketotifen 0.025% BID)
   Class: anti-allergy. Purpose: reduces itch/rub cycles that aggravate pinguecula. Mechanism: blocks histamine and prevents mast-cell degranulation. Side effects: mild sting/dryness. Hopkins Medicine

6. Topical cyclosporine A 0.05% (BID)
   Class: immunomodulator for dry eye. Purpose: improves underlying dry eye that worsens pinguecula symptoms; off-label for pinguecula itself. Mechanism: reduces T-cell–mediated inflammation, improves tear production over weeks. Side effects: burning on instillation. Hopkins Medicine

7. Lifitegrast 5% (BID)
   Class: LFA-1 antagonist for dry eye. Purpose: similar to cyclosporine—targets background inflammation driving dryness. Mechanism: blocks T-cell adhesion. Side effects: dysgeusia (unusual taste), irritation. Hopkins Medicine

8. Short course vasoconstrictor-free redness relievers (brimonidine 0.025%)
   Class: alpha-2 agonist. Purpose: cosmetic redness control without rebound typical of older decongestants. Mechanism: selective vasoconstriction. Side effects: irritation, allergy in some; cosmetic only, not a treatment for the bump.

9. Steroid/antibiotic combo (briefly, when surface defects are present)
   Class: anti-inflammatory plus antibacterial. Purpose: used sparingly when there is significant surface breakdown and risk of infection (doctor-selected). Mechanism: suppresses inflammation and prevents secondary infection. Side effects: as per steroids and antibiotics. Hopkins Medicine

10. Prescription hyper-lubricants (e.g., sodium hyaluronate 0.1–0.3%)
    Class: high-viscosity lubricants. Purpose: longer relief in severe dryness around a pinguecula. Mechanism: viscoelastic tear substitute adheres to the surface. Side effects: brief blur. Hopkins Medicine

Dietary molecular supplements

Always discuss supplements with your clinician, especially if you have medical conditions or take other medicines. These do not treat the bump directly; they support the ocular surface and tear film. Evidence is stronger for dry eye than for pinguecula itself.

1. Omega-3 fish oil (EPA/DHA) – 1,000–2,000 mg/day combined EPA+DHA with meals; supports meibomian oil quality and tear stability.

2. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA; evening primrose/borage oil) – 240–320 mg/day; may reduce dry-eye inflammation in some people.

3. Vitamin A (low dose only, avoid excess) – 700–900 μg RAE/day from diet or as advised; supports ocular surface cells.

4. Vitamin C – 250–500 mg/day; antioxidant support for tissue repair.

5. Vitamin E – 100–200 IU/day; antioxidant membrane protection.

6. Lutein + zeaxanthin – 10 mg + 2 mg/day; general ocular antioxidant support (stronger data for macula than surface).

7. Zinc – 8–11 mg/day total intake; cofactor for antioxidant enzymes.

8. Curcumin – as labeled (e.g., 500–1,000 mg/day of standardized extract); systemic anti-inflammatory support (evidence in eyes is limited).

9. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – 600 mg/day; mucolytic/antioxidant that may help meibomian secretions (limited ocular data).

10. Probiotics – per label; general anti-inflammatory effects are being studied (ocular evidence preliminary).

(These are supportive measures for dryness and surface comfort rather than pinguecula-specific treatments.)

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Regenerative or stem-cell drugs:

For pinguecula, there are no approved “immunity boosters,” regenerative drugs, or stem-cell medicines that dissolve or reverse the bump. Using such treatments for pinguecula is not evidence-based. What is supported: lubricants, brief anti-inflammatories for flares, protection from UV/wind/dust, and rarely surgery for persistent symptoms or cosmetic reasons. AAOHopkins Medicine

Below are related therapies sometimes discussed for other ocular surface diseases, not for pinguecula. They are listed here only to clarify the current landscape and to prevent unsafe self-experimentation:

1. Autologous serum tears (AST) – compounded drops made from your blood; used in severe dry eye or persistent epithelial defects, not pinguecula.

2. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) eye drops – similar concept to AST; investigational for advanced surface disease, not pinguecula.

3. Amniotic membrane therapy (in-office device or surgical graft) – for non-healing corneal problems; not indicated for a simple pinguecula.

4. Cenegermin (recombinant nerve growth factor) – for neurotrophic keratitis, not pinguecula.

5. Limbal stem-cell transplantation – a surgical procedure for limbal stem-cell deficiency; not a drug therapy for pinguecula.

6. Gene/cell therapies in trials – experimental; no role in pinguecula.

Bottom line: Please do not pursue “immune booster” or “stem-cell” products for pinguecula outside a clinical trial directed by a cornea specialist. Safer, proven options above usually work well. AAOHopkins Medicine

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Surgeries

1. Simple excision of the pinguecula
   Procedure: the bump is carefully removed from the conjunctiva.
   Why: repeated inflammation, contact-lens intolerance due to friction, or strong cosmetic concern. Hopkins Medicine

2. Excision with conjunctival autograft (CAG)
   Procedure: after removal, a thin piece of your own conjunctiva is moved to cover the area; often secured with tissue glue.
   Why: better cosmetic outcome and surface healing; small studies suggest improved comfort and tear stability. EyeWiki

3. Excision with fibrin glue
   Procedure: a biological glue holds the graft instead of sutures.
   Why: faster surgery and recovery; less irritation from stitches. EyeWiki

4. Laser photocoagulation of the lesion (selected cases)
   Procedure: targeted laser energy treats small superficial vessels/lesion.
   Why: cosmetic refinement when appropriate equipment and expertise are available. EyeWiki

5. Photo-documentation and watchful monitoring (non-surgical management plan)
   Procedure: high-quality photos track size and color over time.
   Why: confirms stability; avoids unnecessary surgery while treating symptoms. Hopkins Medicine

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Prevention strategies

1. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses (wraparound) whenever you are outdoors.

2. Use a brimmed hat in bright sun.

3. Shield from wind/dust with protective eyewear when cycling, biking, boating, or in dusty jobs.

4. Add humidity at home/work to fight dry air.

5. Take blink breaks during screen time.

6. Practice lid hygiene if you have oily lids or blepharitis.

7. Control allergies to reduce itching and rubbing.

8. Avoid smoke and irritants where possible.

9. Hydrate and sleep well to support surface healing.

10. Schedule eye checks if you work outdoors or live in high-UV climates. AAOHopkins Medicine

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When to see a doctor

• The bump gets red, swollen, or painful (possible pingueculitis).

• You notice rapid change in size or color.

• You develop light sensitivity, discharge, or reduced vision.

• You are unsure if it’s a pinguecula or a pterygium or something else.

• The bump bothers your contact lens wear or daily comfort.

• You want to discuss safe treatment options or cosmetic removal. AAOHopkins Medicine

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Diet tips: what to eat and what to avoid

Key idea: No food cures a pinguecula. Diet helps the tear film and ocular surface so the eye feels better, especially in dry or windy environments.

What to eat (supportive):

1. Omega-3–rich fish (e.g., sardines, salmon) 2–3×/week – supports tear quality.

2. Flaxseed or chia – plant omega-3s if you don’t eat fish.

3. Colorful vegetables (spinach, kale, carrots, bell peppers) – antioxidants that protect surface tissues.

4. Citrus and berries – vitamin C for tissue repair support.

5. Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds) – vitamin E and healthy fats for membrane health.

6. Plenty of water – hydration helps the tear layer.

What to limit/avoid (comfort-focused):

1. Cigarette smoke exposure – strongly irritating to eyes.
2. Very dry, salty snacks without water – can worsen dehydration.
3. Excess alcohol – dehydrates and aggravates dry eye.
4. Highly polluted or smoky environments when possible – if unavoidable, use protective eyewear. Hopkins Medicine

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Frequently asked questions

1) Will a pinguecula go away on its own?
Usually no. It is a degenerative change and often stays. The symptoms can be controlled very well with lubrication and protection. NCBI

2) Can it turn into a pterygium?
Sometimes a pterygium appears in the same eye or area, but a pinguecula itself typically stays on the conjunctiva and does not invade the cornea. UV protection lowers risk of surface growths. EyeWikiAAO

3) Is it dangerous or cancerous?
No—pinguecula is benign. If the appearance is unusual or changes quickly, doctors may remove and send it to the lab to be safe. NCBIAAO

4) What causes the yellow color?
Deposits of protein, fat, or calcium from long-term UV and environmental exposure. AAO

5) Why does it feel worse on windy or sunny days?
Wind dries the tear film; UV light and particles trigger inflammation, making the area red and sore. StatPearls

6) Are redness-relieving drops safe?
Use with caution and talk to your doctor. Some decongestant drops can cause rebound redness; brimonidine 0.025% has less rebound but is still cosmetic only.

7) What’s the best first treatment?
Preservative-free artificial tears and UV/wind protection. For inflamed flares, your doctor may add a brief topical steroid or NSAID. Hopkins MedicinePubMed

8) Will steroid drops cure it?
No. Steroids calm inflammation but do not remove the bump. Because of side effects, doctors use short courses only. Hopkins Medicine

9) Do NSAID drops work?
They can help with inflamed episodes as a steroid-sparing alternative in selected cases; evidence includes older studies with indomethacin 0.1%. Use short-term under supervision. PubMed

10) Can I wear contacts?
Yes, but take a break during flares and consider daily disposables. Lubrication and proper fit matter. Hopkins Medicine

11) When is surgery considered?
If the lesion causes recurrent inflammation, contact-lens problems, cosmetic distress, or rarely if it affects blinking; techniques include excision with or without conjunctival autograft. Hopkins MedicineEyeWiki

12) What are the surgical results like?
Cosmetic outcomes are generally good. Techniques using conjunctival autograft and fibrin glue are commonly used. EyeWiki

13) Can diet cure it?
No. Diet supports tear health and comfort but does not remove the bump. Focus on omega-3s, antioxidants, and hydration. Hopkins Medicine

14) Is it okay to ignore it?
If it’s quiet and you’re comfortable, observation is fine. Still, protect from UV and keep follow-ups as advised. AAO

15) Could it be something else?
Occasionally, other conjunctival lesions (including rare tumors) can look similar. If the spot changes quickly or looks atypical, see an ophthalmologist. AAO

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Updated: August 22, 2025.