What are Pterygia and Pingueculae?
A pterygium is a fleshy growth that usually starts in one corner of the eye and grows inward toward the cornea. Eventually, the pterygium will grow onto the cornea. Once that occurs, the pterygium dramatically obscures vision by inducing irregular astigmatism. By interfering with the visual axis, a pterygium can possibly lead to loss of eyesight in the affected eye if left untreated. A pinguecula is one or more soft yellowish patches of tissue growing on the white (sclera) of the eye just beyond the colored part of the eye. Typically, pinguecula are located toward the corners of the eye at the 3 or 9 o’clock position. They are usually harmless, but can be precursors of ptergia. What Causes Pterygia and Pingueculae? Pterygia and pingueculae may be caused by accumulated exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight) over many years. Heredity is thought to play a factor in their development. Harsh conditions such as heat, dryness, wind, dust, smoke, and other environmental irritants often aggra
