What is pinguecula?

A pinguecula is a small raised spot, white to yellowish in colour, that sometimes appears on the surface of the eye at the limbus. The limbus is where the white of the eye (the sclera) and the transparent window at the front of the eye (the cornea) meet. If the cornea is imagined as a clock face, a pinguecula will generally form at the three and nine o’clock positions. This condition becomes commoner as people age, so that by 70 years most people have them. Both eyes are usually affected. There is no effect on vision.

This is a mild degenerative condition, due to long-term exposure to ultra-violet (UV) light, either occurring naturally in sunlight or artificially in some occupations. A pinguecula usually causes no symptoms, but if it becomes inflamed it may cause local redness of the eye and irritation or discomfort. Sometimes people complain of the cosmetic appearance.

How is pinguecula managed?

The optometrist will examine the pinguecula carefully, distinguishing it from other small spots and cysts that sometimes appear on the eye surface in this position. Once the diagnosis is made, the patient will be advised to limit UV exposure by wearing a hat and sunglasses when it is sunny. If the pinguecula becomes inflamed, anti-inflammatory eye drops are sometimes recommended. Sometimes patients ask for a pinguecula to be removed, which can be done by surgery or laser treatment. This is nearly always a cosmetic procedure, and is rarely undertaken by the NHS.