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Pinguecula

Noticed a yellow spot on your eyeball or a bump on your eye? Learn about pinguecula, a common eye growth, its causes, and how it's treated.

Pinguecula overview

A pinguecula (pronounced pin‑GWEK‑yoo‑luh) is a common, non‑cancerous growth that appears as a yellowish patch or raised spot on the white part of your eye. It usually forms on the side closest to your nose but can also appear on the outer side. While it might look concerning, it's usually harmless.

How your eye's surface works

To understand pinguecula, it helps to know about the surface of your eye.

  1. 1 of 4

    Conjunctiva

    The clear, thin membrane that covers the white part of your eye (sclera) and the inside of your eyelids. It helps lubricate the eye and protects it from germs.

  2. 2 of 4

    Sclera

    The tough, white outer layer of the eyeball that gives the eye its shape and protects its inner components.

  3. 3 of 4

    Cornea

    The transparent layer of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. It helps to focus light onto the retina.

  4. 4 of 4

    Limbus

    The border between the cornea and the sclera. Pingueculae typically form near this area.

What is a pinguecula?

A pinguecula is a degenerative condition of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of your eye. It's essentially a deposit of protein, fat, and calcium that forms a small, yellowish bump on the eyeball. While it can feel like a pimple on the eyeball or a blister in the eye, it's a different type of growth. A pinguecula is not a tumour and is not cancerous. It's a common condition, especially in people who spend a lot of time outdoors and are exposed to sun, wind, and dust.

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Pinguecula vs. Pterygium

Pinguecula and pterygium can look similar, as both are growths on the eye’s surface, but there’s a key difference. A pinguecula is a small, yellowish bump on the conjunctiva that doesn’t grow over the cornea, while a pterygium (sometimes called surfer’s eye) is a fleshy, wedge‑shaped growth that starts on the conjunctiva and can extend onto the cornea.

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Symptoms of a pinguecula

Many people with a pinguecula have no symptoms other than the appearance of the yellow spot on the eyeball. However, when a pinguecula becomes inflamed (a condition called pingueculitis), it can cause discomfort. Common symptoms include:

A yellowish or white bump on the eyeball

This is the most common sign, often appearing on the side of the eye closest to the nose.

Red or bloodshot eyes

The area around the pinguecula can become inflamed and red. 
Learn more about red or bloodshot eyes

Feeling of something in your eye

The raised bump can cause a gritty or sandy sensation.  

Itchy eyes

The affected eye may feel itchy and irritated. 

Dry eye sensation

A pinguecula can disrupt the tear film, leading to symptoms of dry eye syndrome. 
Learn more about dry eye syndrome

Eye stinging and watering

The irritation can cause the eye to sting and produce excess tears.

What causes a pinguecula?

We don’t know the exact cause of a pinguecula, but it’s strongly linked to long‑term exposure to things like sunlight, wind and dust. UV rays from the sun are the biggest risk factor, especially for people living in sunny places or spending a lot of time outdoors without sunglasses. Wind and dust can also irritate the eyes and play a part.

Who’s more likely to get it?

Pingueculae tend to be more common in middle‑aged and older adults, likely due to years of exposure. People with dry eye syndrome may also be more likely to develop one.

Learn more about dry eye syndrome

How is a pinguecula diagnosed?

An eye care professional smiles while talking to two patients in an examination room with medical equipment and computer monitors.

An optometrist can usually diagnose a pinguecula with a simple eye examination. They will look closely at your eyes, often using a slit lamp, which is a microscope with a bright light. This allows them to see the bump on your eyeball in high magnification and confirm that it is a pinguecula and not a more serious condition. They will also assess the overall health of your eyes and may ask questions about your lifestyle, such as how much time you spend outdoors, to understand the potential causes.

Visual Acuity Test

This standard eye chart test checks if your vision has been affected, which is rare with a pinguecula.

Slit‑Lamp Examination

This is the key diagnostic tool. The optometrist will examine the conjunctiva, cornea, and other parts of your eye to assess the size and characteristics of the growth and check for any signs of inflammation or other issues.

Corneal Topography

In some cases, a mapping of the cornea's surface may be done to see if the pinguecula is affecting the shape of the cornea, which could impact vision.

How is a pinguecula treated?

In most cases, a pinguecula doesn't require any treatment, especially if it's not causing any symptoms. However, if the pinguecula becomes inflamed (pingueculitis) and causes discomfort, your optometrist may recommend treatment to relieve the symptoms.

When a pinguecula needs medical help

While a pinguecula is generally harmless, you should see an optometrist if you experience significant eye pain, a rapid change in the size or colour of the bump, or if your vision becomes blurry or cloudy. These could be signs of a more serious problem.

Lubricating eye drops

Artificial tears can help to relieve dryness and the feeling of having something in your eye.

Steroid eye drops or ointments

For more severe inflammation, your optometrist may prescribe steroid eye drops to reduce swelling and redness.

Scleral contact lenses

In some cases, special contact lenses can be used to cover the growth, protecting it from dryness and some of the effects of exposure to wind and dust.

Surgery

Surgical removal of a pinguecula is rarely necessary. It's usually only considered if the pinguecula is causing significant discomfort, interfering with contact lens wear, or if it's cosmetically bothersome.

Preventing a pinguecula

The best way to prevent a pinguecula or stop it getting worse is to protect your eyes from things like sun, wind and dust. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days. A wide‑brimmed hat can help too. If you’re in a dusty or windy environment, use safety glasses or goggles. And if you have dry eyes, regular use of artificial tears can reduce irritation.

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Common Pinguecula Questions

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Written with care and checked for accuracy

https://images.ctfassets.net/uuaxywrybmpn/6Q37Ia7ZYHSysKEVs11mHE/32418f94ae86edd93f1f99f3a90827b8/Kyla_Fang.jpeg

Kyla Fang

BVisSc, MOptom

Kyla Fang is an early career optometrist with three years of experience at Specsavers Launceston in Regional Tasmania. She earned her Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry at the University of Canberra in 2022.

Kyla enjoys all aspects of optometry, including primary care, myopia management, retinal disease, geriatric optometry, and collaborating with local ophthalmologists for glaucoma management. She has a particular passion for educating individuals about their eye health, helping them gain a better understanding of their vision and overall ocular well‑being.

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