What is a Pterygium or Pinguecula?
A pterygium is a growth on the outside of the eye. When the growth is small, it is sometimes called a pinguecula. It is not a tumor or malignancy, but rather a response from the eye to an injury to the surface of the cornea (or clear part of the eye through which we see). Most commonly pterygia grow as a result of sun damage to the cornea and the delicate membrane, the conjunctiva, covering the eye. Dry, dusty conditions and outdoors exposure are associated with pterygia. There also is a family tendency for these growths to occur. Commonly called “cowboy cataracts”, these growths are not cataracts at all, but are more like a “callous” that covers the inside corner of the eye when exposure to sunlight and dryness result in inflammation and irritation. Treatment of Pterygia consists of the wearing of sunglasses, particularly with ultraviolet absorber, and the use of artificial tear drops to increase moisture and prevent the irritaion that leads to the development of pterygia. Occasionall
