What Are Pinguecula and Pterygium?
Pinguecula and pterygium are noncancerous growths on the clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye (the conjunctiva). They're different conditions, but they often get mentioned together because they share similar causes and risk factors. A pinguecula is a small, yellowish bump that grows on the conjunctiva, usually on the side of your eye nearest your nose. A pterygium, sometimes called "surfer's eye", is a fleshy, triangular growth that can spread across the cornea, the clear front of your eye. Both growths are more common in Brooklyn residents who spend time outdoors, and neither one is cancer.
What Causes These Eye Growths?
The primary culprit behind both pinguecula and pterygium is long-term ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. If you've spent years outdoors, whether you work outside on Avenue U, spend weekends at Coney Island, or commute without sunglasses, your eyes are at higher risk. Wind, dust, and dry air also play a role. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, these growths develop more often in people who live in sunny, warm climates or near the equator, and they're more common in older adults who've had cumulative sun exposure over decades.
Living in Brooklyn doesn't shield you from UV rays just because we're not in a tropical region. Reflection from water, pavement, and snow can intensify UV exposure, especially during summer months or when you're near the water in Sheepshead Bay or Brighton Beach. If you have a family history of these growths, your risk is higher too.
Signs and Symptoms
Many people with a pinguecula or pterygium don't notice any symptoms at all. Your eye doctor might spot one during a routine exam before you feel anything wrong. When symptoms do show up, they typically include redness, mild irritation, a gritty or sandy feeling in the eye, or a sensation that something is in your eye. Some people experience tearing or dryness.
A pterygium can cause more noticeable symptoms than a pinguecula because it's larger and may grow toward the cornea. If a pterygium starts covering the cornea, it can affect your vision and cause astigmatism (blurred or distorted vision). You might notice glare or see a shadow at the edge of your vision. If you're experiencing persistent irritation or changes in your vision, schedule a thorough eye exam at Vision Palace Optical so we can evaluate what's happening.
When to See an Eye Doctor
You should have these growths checked if you notice increasing redness, persistent irritation that doesn't improve with artificial tears, changes in your vision, or if the growth seems to be growing quickly. Even if you have no symptoms, routine eye exams catch pinguecula and pterygium early. Dr. Sheyko and Dr. Shlivko at our Avenue U office evaluate the growth's size, location, and whether it's affecting your cornea or vision during your exam. We monitor stable growths during your regular visits, so we can catch any changes.
If a pterygium is growing toward your cornea or affecting your vision, your eye doctor will discuss management options with you. Some growths need no treatment and stay stable for years. Others may require discussion with a specialist about whether removal is right for you.
Prevention and Protection
You can reduce your risk of developing new growths or slow the progression of existing ones by protecting your eyes from UV light. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you're outside, even on cloudy days. A wide-brimmed hat adds extra protection. If you work outdoors in Sheepshead Bay or commute on the Q train to work outside, make sun protection part of your routine. This is especially important for kids ages 6 and up, since UV damage builds over a lifetime, teaching children good habits now pays off decades later.
Dry eye can make irritation worse, so staying hydrated and using artificial tears when your eyes feel dry also helps. If you work in a dusty environment or spend time near salt water, rinse your eyes gently with clean water to remove irritants.
Treatment Options
A pinguecula typically doesn't need treatment unless it causes discomfort or cosmetic concerns. If it does bother you, your doctor may recommend artificial tears or a lubricating eye drop to ease irritation. Occasionally, a steroid drop might help reduce temporary inflammation, but this is not a long-term solution.
Pterygium treatment depends on how fast it's growing and whether it affects your vision. Mild cases may be managed with drops and monitoring. If a pterygium grows across the cornea, causes vision problems, or creates significant discomfort, surgical removal is an option. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, pterygium removal is a safe outpatient procedure, though regrowth can happen in some cases. Your eye doctor will refer you to a specialist if surgery is the right choice for you.
Monitoring at Vision Palace Optical
At our Brooklyn office on 1723 Avenue U, we document the size and location of any pinguecula or pterygium during your eye exam. If you have one, we'll check it during each visit to make sure it's not changing. If it is growing or causing symptoms, we'll discuss your options and can refer you to a specialist if needed. Regular eye exams help catch these growths early and keep them from affecting your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pinguecula or pterygium go away on their own?
No, these growths don't shrink or disappear without treatment. They may stay stable for years, but they don't heal on their own. UV protection can slow their growth, but once they form, they're permanent unless surgically removed.
Is pinguecula or pterygium cancer?
No, neither of these growths is cancer. They're benign (noncancerous) tissue growths. However, any growth on your eye should be evaluated by your eye doctor to confirm what it is and monitor it over time.
Will pinguecula or pterygium make me blind?
A pinguecula alone won't affect your vision. A pterygium can potentially cause vision changes if it grows large enough to cross the cornea, but this is uncommon and manageable with monitoring and, if needed, referral to a specialist.
Are these growths related to age?
These growths tend to show up more often in older adults because they result from cumulative UV exposure over decades. However, they can develop at any age if someone has had significant sun exposure, especially in sunny climates or near water.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, What Is a Pinguecula and a Pterygium?
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, Are Pterygium and Pinguecula Surgeries Safe?
Book your eye exam at Vision Palace Optical, book through Zocdoc, get in touch, or call us at (718) 998-8400. We're at 1723 Avenue U in Brooklyn, open Monday through Saturday. We'll evaluate any growths on your eye and monitor them during your routine exams to keep your vision safe.