Pinguecula: UK causes, symptoms and treatment options

A pinguecula is a raised, yellow-white deposit on the conjunctiva — the clear layer covering the white of the eye. Most sit on the nasal side and are the eye's version of sun-related skin damage. They are almost always harmless, but they do explain a lot of dry-eye and cosmetic concerns in UK clinics.

What causes a pinguecula

Chronic exposure to **UV light**, wind and dust drives changes in the conjunctival tissue, producing thickened, degenerated collagen that looks yellow because of accumulated elastic and fatty deposits. Risk rises with:

- Years spent outdoors — construction, gardening, sailing, cycling, skiing

- Living in high-UV climates, especially before moving to the UK

- Age above 40

- Not wearing sunglasses regularly

Symptoms

- A visible yellow bump, usually on the nasal side of the eye

- Redness over the lesion when irritated

- Foreign-body sensation, dryness, occasional grittiness

- Rarely: fluctuating blurred vision if the tear film breaks up over the bump

When to seek review

See an eye specialist if:

- The lesion is growing rapidly

- It is invading the cornea — this is a **pterygium**, not a pinguecula, and behaves differently

- Redness is persistent or the eye is uncomfortable most days

- The appearance is bothering you cosmetically

Treatment

Most pingueculae need no treatment. When they cause symptoms:

1. **Preservative-free lubricants** — the mainstay for grittiness and dryness

2. **UV protection** — good wraparound sunglasses reduce further degeneration

3. **Short course of steroid or NSAID drops** — used sparingly for painful inflammation (pingueculitis)

4. **Surgical excision** — reserved for cosmetic concerns, contact-lens intolerance, or recurrent inflammation; performed under local anaesthetic

Pinguecula vs pterygium

A pterygium is a fleshy triangular growth that extends onto the cornea. It affects vision by inducing astigmatism and, if left, by encroaching on the visual axis. Excision is offered more readily for pterygia — see our guide on pterygium.

Preventing pingueculae

UV protection is the single most effective measure. Wraparound sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA/UVB, worn from spring to autumn even in overcast weather, reduce lifetime exposure significantly.

Book a consultant-led eye surface assessment

For a persistent or bothersome pinguecula, book a consultation with my private practice or call **020 3137 3237**.