A Pinguecula is a benign, thickened area on the eye. It appears as a grey/white/yellow mass on the bulbar conjunctiva. It is often seen in people exposed to wind, dust, ultraviolet light, and in those working outdoors for a long duration.
Patient Burden:
Mild symptoms such as foreign body sensation and itching are treated with artificial tears. Surgical excision may be rarely considered for cosmetic reasons.
Etiology
The risk factors for the progression of pinguecula include exposure to ultraviolet light, trauma, wind, dust, sand, working outdoors for a long duration, and advancing age.[1] It occurs more frequently with age, and it is commonly seen in males most likely due to occupational exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light. Almost all individuals show some evidence of pinguecula in their 80s.
Epidemiology
The prevalence of pinguecula is variable from region to region. Prevalence can range from 22.5% to 97%.[3] Pinguecula is a benign lesion. It is a grey white-yellow mass on the bulbar conjunctiva. Pinguecula does not have any sex predilection, it equally affects males and females. Similarly there is no racial predilection.
Pinguecula does not affect visual acuity. Though it is asymptomatic, it causes cosmetic complaints. However, if it is inflamed, it is known as pingueculitis.
Treatment / Management
The most effective way to avoid getting a Pinguecula would be to safeguard one’s eyes from ultraviolet light, wind, and dust.
Surgical excision is considered for those with chronic irritation or for cosmetic reasons. Surgical excision of the pinguecula is possible under topical anesthesia. Following the excision, the bare sclera can be closed with a conjunctival autograft. Topical antibiotic-steroid eye drops are prescribed during the post-operative period. It is a final resort either in cases of chronic persistent irritation when the treatment, as mentioned above, has failed, and when interference with contact lens wear occurs.
