What are pterygia and pingueculas?
Pterygia and pingueculas are among the most commonly encountered eye conditions treated by Ophthalmologists. It is a fleshy appearing growth of conjunctival tissue. The conjunctiva is the clear membrane which covers the white portion or sclera of the eye. The growth usually begins in the corner of the eye closest to the nose. A pinguecula is sometimes a precursor to a pterygium. If the pinguecula continues to proliferate onto the cornea (the clear outer layer of the front of the eye) it is known as a pterygium. When this happens, vision loss may occur.
