Pingeucula and pterygium

• Pinguecula


  A common type of conjunctival stromal degeneration in the eye
• Conjunctiva


  A loose transparent membrane that covers the sclera or the white part of the eye (bulbar conjunctiva) or the one under the upper or lower eyelids (palpebral conjunctiva)
• Conjunctival stromal degeneration


  The thinning or thickening of the conjunctival stroma and the deposition of abnormal substance such as chronic inflammation, trauma, autoimmune diseases, or genetic predisposition
• Pinguecula


  • Appears as an elevated yellow-white plaque in the bulbar conjunctiva
  • Abnormal growth of the tissue on the conjunctiva
• Pinguecula is usually harmless, but sometimes cause redness or irritation to the eye. If inflamed, it is called pingueculitis.
• Causes/Etiologies of pinguecula


  • Exposure to UV light
  • Environmental factors (wind, dust)
  • Occupational exposure
• UVA


  The longest wavelength among the 3 types of UV, penetrates deep into the eye, reaching the lens and retina. Prolonged exposure can contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
• UVB


  Shorter wavelength than UVA, too much exposure can increase the risk of getting cataracts.
• UVC


  The shortest wavelength, most energetic type of UV, not directly from the sun, came from artificial sources like welding arcs, can cause photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea).
• UVB and/or UVA exposure is seen as the cause of pinguecula.
• Exposure to wind and dust can also cause pinguecula by scratching the surface and causing irritation and inflammation.
• People working outdoors without frequent protection (such as farmers, fishermen, and construction workers) are more prone to pinguecula as they are exposed to sun which is the major source of UV.
• Artificial sources of UV light such as welding machines, tanning beds and lasers can also pose serious eye health issues.
• Signs and symptoms of pinguecula

  • Grey, white, or yellowish mass
  • Redness
  • Dryness and Grittiness
  • Blurring Vision
  • Discomfort
• Pterygium


  A benign growth that occurs on the conjunctiva and extends onto the cornea, a response to damage from chronic dryness and ocular irritation
• Pterygium


  • Has a triangular or wedge-shaped appearance
  • Usually bilateral, shaped like wings and in the interpalpebral space
  • Typically appears on the nasal side part of the conjunctiva and the cornea, but can still appear in the temporal part
• Causes/Etiologies of pterygium


  • Chronic UV light exposure
  • Environmental factors
• Signs and symptoms of pterygium

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Triangular wing shape
  • Blurring Vision
  • Dryness and Grittiness
  • Redness and inflammation