Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Pinguecula

10/19/2010

Question:

Should a small pinguecula growth be removed?

Answer:

A pinguecula (pin-GWEK-u-lah) is a small and slightly-raised yellowish non-fatty thickening of the eye’s visible outer layer (the white portion). It always occurs at the 3 and/or 9 o’clock positions of the eye and never in the 12 and 6 o’clock areas (because your eyelids cover those areas). The cause is long-term exposure to sunlight and atmospheric pollution like dust, smoke, wind, sand, molds, grasses, pollen, etc.

It is best treat these nodules by wearing good sunglasses when outside and using lubricating eye drops when inside UNLESS your eye doctor thinks it is cancerous, in which case he or she would recommend surgical removal and biopsy.

For more information:

Go to the Eye and Vision Care health topic.