Pīkaru kino Pterygium and pinguecula
Pterygium and pinguecula are common growths on the front of an eye. Both happen on the clear covering over the white of your eye (the conjunctiva), and usually on the side closest to your nose.
What pterygium is
A pterygium is a growth of pink fleshy tissue. It usually starts in the corner of your eye closest to your nose and grows slowly towards the centre.
Symptoms of pterygium
Often, there are no other symptoms, but a pterygium can irritate your eye and cause redness.
A pterygium can grow onto your cornea, the layer in front of your iris and pupil (the central part of your eye). If it does this, it can cause astigmatism (a change in shape of the front of your eye) and blurry vision.
Treating pterygium
You can treat the irritation caused by a pterygium by using lubricating eye drops, and sometimes anti-inflammatory eye drops. You can get these from your optometrist or healthcare provider.
If a pterygium is affecting your vision, or if the appearance worries you, you can have surgery to remove it.
Usually, this surgery is done privately (you may need to pay) but if it is severe, it may be publicly funded. Talk to your healthcare provider or optometrist about your options.
What pinguecula is
A pinguecula is a white or creamy coloured growth. It does not grow across your cornea.
Symptoms of pinguecula
Pinguecula can cause:
- irritation
- redness
- discomfort
- dryness.
Treating pinguecula
You can treat a pinguecula with lubricating eye drops or anti-inflammatory drops, which you can get from your optometrist or healthcare provider.
It is very rare to have a pinguecula surgically removed. But this can be done if it is very uncomfortable or you are worried about how it looks.
Usually, this surgery is done privately but if it is severe, it may be publicly funded. Talk to your healthcare provider or optometrist about your options.
Preventing pterygium and pinguecula
Both of these eye problems are more common in people who:
- work in dusty environments
- are outdoors a lot and are exposed to UV (ultraviolet) light.
The best way to avoid getting them is to protect your eyes when you are outdoors in the sun.
Wear a hat with a brim and wrap-around sunglasses that block UV light, so it cannot reach your eyes.