Pterygium and Pinguecula

Pterygium and Pinguecula

Ophthalmology Services

Pterygium and Pinguecula

Pterygium is fleshy tissue that grows over the cornea (the clear front window of the eye). It may remain small or may grow large enough to interfere with vision. A pterygium most commonly occurs on the inner corner of the eye, but can appear on the outer corner as well. The exact cause is not well understood. Pterygium occurs more often in people who spend a great deal of time outdoors, especially in sunny climates. Long-term exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) rays, and chronic eye irritation from dry, dusty, smoky conditions seem to play an important causal role. A dry eye may contribute to pterygium.

Pterygium and Pinguecula

Pterygium is fleshy tissue that grows over the cornea (the clear front window of the eye). It may remain small or may grow large enough to interfere with vision. A pterygium most commonly occurs on the inner corner of the eye, but can appear on the outer corner as well. The exact cause is not well understood. Pterygium occurs more often in people who spend a great deal of time outdoors, especially in sunny climates. Long-term exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) rays, and chronic eye irritation from dry, dusty, smoky conditions seem to play an important causal role. A dry eye may contribute to pterygium.

When a pterygium becomes red and irritated, eyedrops or ointments may be used to help reduce the inflammation. If the pterygium is large enough to threaten sight or grows rapidly, it can be removed surgically. A pterygium may also cause decreased vision by causing astigmatism. It is therefore advisable to follow up on medium to large-sized pterygia at least yearly and include a refraction.

Despite proper surgical removal, the pterygium may return, particularly in young people. Protecting the eyes from excessive ultraviolet light with proper sunglasses and avoiding dry, dusty conditions and use of artificial tears may also help.

A pinguecula is a yellowish patch or bump on the white of the eye, most often on the side closest to the nose. It is not a tumor, but an alteration of normal tissue resulting in a deposit of protein and fat. Unlike a pterygium, a pinguecula does not actually grow onto the cornea. A pinguecula may also be a response to chronic eye irritation or sunlight.

No treatment is necessary unless it becomes inflamed. A pinguecula does not grow onto the cornea or threaten sight. If particularly annoying, a pinguecula may on rare occasions be surgically removed, but the postoperative scar may be as cosmetically objectionable as the pinguecula.

Meet our specialist

Dr Ainur Rahman Dato Setia Dr Anuar Masduki

Designation
Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon
Specialty
Ophthalmology





Dr Chandra Kumar A/L Chandra Sekharan

Designation
Ophthalmologist
Specialty
Ophthalmology





Dr Lee Ming Yueh

Designation
Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Surgeon
Specialty
Ophthalmology





Dato’ Dr Linda Teoh Oon Cheng

Designation
Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Surgeon
Specialty
Ophthalmology





Dr Nazila Ahmad Azli

Designation
Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic, Lacrimal & Orbital Surgeon
Specialty
Ophthalmology, Oculoplastic Surgery





Dr Norazah Abdul Rahman

Designation
Consultant Ophthalmologist, Paediatric Ophthalmologist and Strabismus Surgeon
Specialty
Ophthalmology, Paediatrics Ophthalmology & Strabismus Surgery





Dr Ronald Arun Das

Designation
Consultant Ophthalmologist and Vitreo Retinal Surgeon
Specialty
Ophthalmology





Datin Dr Teoh Su Lin

Designation
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Specialty
Ophthalmology





Dr V. Ulagantheran Viswanathan

Designation
Consultant Ophthalmologist and Vitreo Retinal Surgeon
Specialty
Ophthalmology