What is Pingueculitis?

Pingueculitis is an inflammation of the pinguecula, a benign tumor that originates in the eye's conjunctiva, the tissue that carries and protects the white section of the eye structure. It might be there for weeks or months before it becomes evident.

The patient usually has significant symptoms affecting eyesight when the lesion first appears. The disease pinguecula is It can affect individuals of any race and age. However, it is most and often diagnosed in people over 40.

What is pinguecula?

Pingueculitis is a benign tumor the size of a grain of rice or lentil that develops in the conjunctiva, the translucent membrane that covers and protects the sclera. When pinguecula is present, there is an elevation in the conjunctiva with a rough look. This tumor is often whitish, yellowish, or reddish in appearance.

Factors that predispose

• Growing older (seen in most eyes by age 70)
• Prevalence estimates range from 11 to 75%.
• Long-term UV radiation exposure to sunlight (residence at or near the equator, outdoor work, especially on reflective surfaces, e.g., sand, concrete, water, snow)
• Welding and other workplace hazards
• Gender: Male (likely to be related to occupational exposure)
• Chronic sensitivity to wind or dust
• Wearing contact lenses
• It has been discovered to have a significant association with alcohol use.

Symptoms and cause of pinguecula

A change in your conjunctiva causes pinguecula. As a result, there is a little yellow-white bump. The cause of the alteration is unknown, although potential possibilities include: Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

• Wind and dust can cause eye discomfort.
• Getting older.
• A tiny, yellowish patch or bump on your eye's conjunctiva is the most prevalent sign of pinguecula.

Other signs and symptoms include:

• Eyes that are red, inflamed, itching, or swollen.
• Eyes that are dry.
• You have the sensation that you have sand or grit in your eye.
• Tears in my eyes.
• These signs and symptoms might range from minor to severe. Pinguecula can occur in one or both eyes, and multiples can exist in the same vision.
• inflammation of the eyes
• Tear production has been reduced.
• Dryness of the eyes.
• The eyes are red.
• Blood vessels are apparent.
• A white or yellowish tip appears on the conjunctiva.

What is the treatment for pinguecula?

You don't require therapy if your symptoms aren't causing eye pain. If the pinguecula is causing you pain, your eye doctor may recommend over-the-counter eye ointments, prescription lubricating (wetting) drops, or artificial tears.

To minimise eye redness and swelling, provide a brief course of steroid eye drops or eye ointments. The ophthalmologist administers artificial tears for dry eye therapy and to alleviate symptoms caused by the tumor. The specialist may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs.

When the pinguecula is severe and the tumor is so enormous that it causes an aesthetic concern, it is time to consider surgery. Nonetheless, the patient constantly informs that these injuries frequently reoccur after removal. As a result, surgery does not consider a cure for pinguecula.