Pinguecula is an eye condition that shows up as gray, white or yellowish growth on the conjunctiva, which is the white part of the eye. This abnormal growth on the eyeball usually is made up of deposits from fat, protein or calcium. In most cases, you see the growth near the nose side, but there are instances when it may appear on the other side of the cornea. Those who are 40 years and older are more susceptible and should get regular eye tests as a preventive measure.
Diagnosis is the first step toward pinguecula eye treatment. Find the best optometrists in Downtown Manhattan to get the most comprehensive eye care that’s vital if you end up needing pinguecula treatment. Eye Physicians in NYC specialize in treating conditions ranging from optic nerve inflammation to color blindness. And you’re usually in and out in less than an hour.
The exact cause for pinguecula remains a mystery. Yet numerous studies have observed a link between the UV rays of the sun and the appearance of the growth. Further studies on the effects of ultraviolet light on the eyes show that too much exposure to the sun’s rays changes the eyes on the molecular level. The sun damage is so profound that you could get sunburned eyes even on foggy days.
The effects of the sun, however, aren’t usually noticed immediately. A pinguecula growth may have taken months or years to develop depending on your exposure levels, which vary greatly and include places you may not even consider harmful.
The World Health Organization places ground surfaces as high-risk for UV exposure in areas that include:
Besides the sun, there are other environmental elements that are instigators of pinguecula. The wind is a known catalyst for causing dry eye syndrome that can lead to eye growths, and dirt and dust particles cause scratches resulting in symptoms that you could mistake for eye allergies and end up needing pinguecula surgery instead.
Risk of developing pinguecula increases based on how close to the equator you reside. You also become vulnerable to the pinguecula growth if you spend more than four hours outside in the sun. Those who make a living outdoors like farmers, construction workers or gardeners are more likely to notice the abnormal growth in the eye.
While men have a higher incidence of getting pinguecula, this is probably because men are more likely to get jobs that involve being in the sun for longer hours than women. Also, pinguecula, just like other eye conditions like arcus senilis and presbyopia is connected to your age. The older you are, the likelihood of you needing pinguecula treatment increases.
Other risk factors include:
The first sign of pinguecula is a growth that’s either round or triangular shaped. Usually, the growth starts small but could increase in size over time. You may notice the growth in one or both eyes. It’s also possible to get more than one pinguecula growth in the eye.
The slit-lamp examination helps your New York City based eye doctor take a closer look at the growth. Pinguecula growths are always non-cancerous, but pre-cancerous growths could mimic pinguecula. Studies also show that if pinguecula removal medication isn’t administered, the growth could turn into a pink flesh colored condition known as pterygium.
You may never know the pinguecula growth exists until it becomes inflamed due to pingueculitis. Then your eyes end up red and swollen, making you think you have pink eye or hemorrhaging in the eye.
Besides the red eyes, you could also experience other symptoms such as:
Your treatment starts after your eyes are examined to determine if you need pinguecula removal or pterygium removal, as both conditions show up as growths in different colors. It’s not necessary to get treatment for asymptomatic pinguecula until the growth turns into pingueculitis. Then you may need eye drops, ointments, gel or even artificial tears to combat the redness, swelling and dry eyes. Sometimes, topical steroids and antibiotics are also prescribed.
While pinguecula surgery is rare, you may decide the growth looks unsightly and needs to be removed completely. Your NYC eye doctor may recommend laser photocoagulation, which typically has exceptional results for pinguecula removal.
The best course is prevention though because pinguecula is preventable if you take precautionary measures such as:
Contact your New York City eye doctors at Eye Physicians to set up an appointment for your routine eye exam or if you have an uncomfortable growth that may require pinguecula surgery. The earlier you seek pinguecula treatment, the better chance you have of avoiding further consequences and possible vision loss.
My name is Dr. William Hogue, and I am an optometrist dedicated to providing top-quality professional eye care. I'm trained in treating various ocular conditions, including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and retinal issues.
I earned my chemistry degree summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee. Subsequently, I obtained my Doctorate of Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) from the New England College of Optometry. Following graduation, I completed an ocular disease residency at the State University of New York’s College of Optometry. Beyond my clinical work, I have also been a supporter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH).
More about Dr. HogueEye Physicians
110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
New York, NY 10013
(212) 292-4814
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