Vision Care Services

Pterygium & Pinguecula

A bump on the white of your eye? Here’s what it is.

A pinguecula is a yellowish, slightly raised spot on the white of the eye, usually on the side closest to the nose. A pterygium (sometimes called “surfer’s eye”) is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth that starts on the white of the eye and can grow onto the cornea.

Both are linked to sun, wind, dust and dryness, so they’re common in Florida. Most are harmless, but they can become red, irritated and gritty. We diagnose them, treat the irritation and monitor any growth, and we refer you to a corneal surgeon only if a pterygium needs to be removed.

Get checked if a spot on your eye is growing, changing color, or affecting your vision.

Diagnosis and photosA slit lamp exam, with SLEYECAM photos to measure any growth over time.

Relief for irritationLubricating drops and short courses of prescription anti-inflammatory drops for flare-ups.

PreventionUV-blocking sunglasses and hats, and treating the dry eye that makes them flare.

Pinguecula vs. pterygium

A pinguecula stays on the white of the eye and doesn’t grow onto the cornea. A pterygium contains blood vessels and can slowly grow toward the center of the cornea. A large pterygium can change the shape of the cornea and cause astigmatism or blurry vision, which is when removal may be considered.

Symptoms

A visible yellow or pink bump on the white of the eye
Redness, especially after sun, wind or screen time
A gritty or foreign-body feeling
Dry, burning or itchy eyes
Blurry vision or new astigmatism if a pterygium grows onto the cornea

Treatment

Preservative-free artificial tears and lubricating gels
Prescription anti-inflammatory or steroid drops for red, inflamed flare-ups
Treating underlying dry eye
Regular photos to track size, so we know if it is growing
Referral to a corneal surgeon for removal when a pterygium affects vision, causes astigmatism or keeps flaring
Care before and after surgery to help prevent it from coming back

Protecting your eyes in Florida

UV light is the biggest risk factor. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB, plus a brimmed hat, when you’re outdoors, boating, fishing or golfing. Wraparound frames help block wind and dust. We carry prescription and non-prescription sunglasses at our Odessa and East Lake offices.

Common questions

What is the difference between a pinguecula and a pterygium?

A pinguecula is a yellowish bump that stays on the white of the eye. A pterygium is a fleshy growth that can grow onto the cornea and, if large, affect vision.

Is a pterygium dangerous?

A pterygium is not cancer and is usually harmless, but a large one can blur vision by changing the shape of the cornea. We photograph and measure it so we know if it’s growing.

Can an optometrist treat a pterygium?

Yes. We diagnose and treat the irritation and inflammation, monitor growth, and refer you to a corneal surgeon if removal is needed.

Will a pinguecula go away?

A pinguecula usually doesn’t go away, but it rarely causes problems. Drops can calm redness and irritation when it flares.

How do I prevent a pterygium from growing?

Protect your eyes from UV light, wind and dust with sunglasses and a hat, and keep dry eye under control.