Causes: Background: The Cornea is the transparent Pinguecula and Pterygium arise from sun front part of the eye that co- exposure early in life. Significant risk fac- vers the iris, pupil, and the oth- tors include: Symptoms Pinguecula: er front components of the eye, known as the anterior • yellowish, raised area on the conjunctiva • Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. chamber. • Irritation and scratchiness • Dry Eye. The conjunctiva is the • Dry eye • Irritants, such as dust, and industrial sol- thin, filmy membrane vents and chemicals. that covers the white • Occasional inflammation of the conjunc- part of your eye, the scle- tiva • Age. ra. • Redness if the area becomes irritated • Being male. A pinguecula is a yellow- Treatment: ish patch or bump on the conjunctiva, most often on the side closest to the nose. It is a 1) Artificial tears can help for lubrication. change in the normal tissue that results in a 2) Anti-inflammatory eye-drops for red- deposit of protein, fat and/or calcium. ness and pain Pterygium is a pink, fleshy growth on the con- junctiva, often arising from a pinguecula. 3) If the growths become large enough Symptoms Pterygium: to threaten sight or cause persistent It is a non-cancerous lesion that usually grows discomfort, they can be surgically re- slowly throughout life. Or it may stop growing • Redness and/or inflammation. moved. after a certain point. • Burning. **Surgery may be recommended if there In some cases, a pterygium can grow onto the • Gritty feeling. cornea. This can distort the shape of the cor- is recorded growth in the visual axis to pre- • Blurred vision. nea, causing a condition called astigmatism. vent vision interference, even if they do

The result can be blurred vision. • Itching. not yet cause vision loss. • Dryness.

• Foreign body sensation.

Mid -Atlantic

Prevention: Cornea You can help prevent these growths by wearing sunglasses that have a coating Consultants that blocks the sun’s ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Sunglasses also help protect your eyes from wind and other out- door elements, such as sand.

Keeping your eyes moisturized with artificial tears might also help prevent pingueculae Mid -Atlantic Cornea and pterygia. You should wear protective Consultants eyewear when working in a dry and dusty environment.

If you already have a pingueculae or pter- Pinueculae & ygium, limiting your exposure to the follow- ing can slow its growth: Pterygium Sudeep Pramanik, MD, MBA, FACS • wind Angelique Pillar, MD

Sarah Bell, OD • dust

Deena Ghazzi, OD • pollen

• smoke www.midatlanticcornea.com

• sunlight Locations: Avoiding these conditions can also help York, PA prevent pterygiums from coming back if Towson, MD you’ve had any removed. Columbia, MD

Frederick, MD

www.midatlanticcornea.com