The pinguecula appears as a small yellowish eye growth, slightly raised. It usually grows on the white part of the eye (called the sclera), in the nasal and temporal portions of the corneal periphery. The cause is unknown, but chronic sun exposure can contribute to the development of the lesion. Often, the pinguecula is noticeable to the naked eye, but the doctor confirms the diagnosis with a careful examination of the affected structures.
Due to its benign nature, the pinguecula rarely requires treatment. Sometimes, however, the lesion can become inflamed, causing irritation and dryness; the doctor, therefore, may prescribe artificial tears for lubrication and an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce swelling.
In most people, the first sign of a pinguecula is the appearance of a yellowish thickening on the conjunctiva; the lesion grows in relief near the cornea, which is not normally involved (and for this reason it is distinguished from the pterygus). The pinguecula is most common on the side of the eye near the nose, usually in the area most exposed to sunlight. The pinguecula is a harmless lesion, causing few other symptoms. These include:
- Irritation, with sensation of a foreign body present in the eye;
- Occasional inflammation of the conjunctiva;
- Itching and redness if the area is irritated
- Dry eye.
In some cases, the pinguecula becomes swollen and acutely inflamed, vascularized, red, irritated and highly symptomatic; this condition is called pingueculitis. Eye irritation, burning, and redness are usually the result of exposure to sun, wind, dust, or other conditions that induce extreme dryness.
The pinguecula can grow in size over the course of many years. This growth does not affect visual function, but it can cause eye irritation. In rare cases, the lesion may gradually extend over the cornea, forming a pterygium. In case of changes in size, shape or color it is advisable to consult a doctor for a correct evaluation.
, fat and / or calcium. The reason for this alteration is not entirely clear, but the onset has been associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet and infrared rays of sunlight and factors that promote eye irritation, such as dust, wind or extremely dry air. . The pinguecula is more common in middle-aged or older people, but it does not spare young people and children. People who spend a lot of time in the sun, without the protection of glasses or hats, have a higher risk of developing the disorder. Susceptible groups are individuals who work outdoors, such as farmers and fishermen, or those who engage in outdoor activities, such as golf and gardening. Welding represents a significant occupational hazard. The pinguecula is frequently associated with Gaucher disease.
and the ocular adnexa involved with a slit lamp.and forms scar tissue on the eye (resembles a thin film growing over the eye). If this increases excessively in size or thickness, it can interfere with vision: a large enough pterygium can actually cause a distortion of the surface of the cornea, leading to astigmatism.
A pterygium can often develop from a pinguecula and this evolution is favored by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun.
steroid can be helpful in reducing inflammation.
Rarely, these growths become large enough to interfere with vision or cause persistent discomfort. In these cases, the pinguecula can be surgically removed.
Surgery is considered when a pinguecula:
- It extends over the cornea (if it is large enough it can involve the central visual area of the cornea or cause astigmatism);
- It causes extreme discomfort when trying to wear contact lenses;
- She is constantly and severely inflamed, even after applying eye drops or ointments.
Sometimes, the lesions are also removed for cosmetic reasons.
Surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, with local anesthesia. Recovery typically takes several weeks and involves applying prescribed topical eye drops or ointments several times a day. Surgery usually does not lead to complications, but pinguecula tends to recur.
The best way to avoid the recurrence of the lesion, after treatment, is to limit exposure to environmental factors that facilitate its growth (such as direct exposure to sunlight, irritants and dusty environments). In dry eye conditions, applying artificial tears and decongestant eye drops can prevent swelling and irritation.
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