Pinguecula: The Medical Term for Skin-Colored Tissue Growth Around Pupils of Eyes
The medical term for a skin-colored tissue growth around the pupils of the eyes is pinguecula. This is a benign, yellowish-white, slightly raised lesion that typically forms on the bulbar conjunctiva near the cornea, most commonly on the nasal side 1.
What is a Pinguecula?
A pinguecula is characterized by:
- Yellowish or whitish, slightly elevated nodule on the conjunctiva
- Typically appears on the nasal side of the eye, but can occur temporally
- Usually bilateral (affects both eyes)
- Does not extend onto the cornea (unlike pterygium)
- Composed of elastotic degeneration of collagen fibers
- Generally asymptomatic but may cause mild irritation
Differentiation from Similar Conditions
Pinguecula vs. Pterygium
- Pinguecula: Remains confined to the conjunctiva and does not grow onto the cornea
- Pterygium: A fibrovascular growth that extends from the conjunctiva across the limbus onto the cornea 2, 3
Pinguecula vs. Conjunctival Neoplasms
Pinguecula must be differentiated from potentially serious conditions such as:
- Ocular surface squamous neoplasia: Presents with conjunctival hyperemia, papillomatous or sessile nodules 4
- Conjunctival melanoma: Appears as a painless, flat or nodular, brown or fleshy-pink lesion 4
- Conjunctival lymphoma: Presents as a salmon-patch conjunctival swelling 4
Etiology and Risk Factors
The primary causes of pinguecula include:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure 2, 3
- Environmental irritants (dust, wind, smoke)
- Advancing age
- Chronic ocular surface inflammation
Clinical Significance and Management
Most pingueculae are asymptomatic and require no treatment. However, they may occasionally cause:
- Dry eye symptoms
- Foreign body sensation
- Mild irritation
- Cosmetic concerns
Management Options:
- Observation: For asymptomatic lesions
- Lubricating eye drops: For mild irritation or dry eye symptoms
- Short-term topical anti-inflammatory drops: For inflamed pinguecula
- Surgical excision: Rarely needed, only for cosmetic concerns or persistent symptoms
When to Refer to an Ophthalmologist
Referral is indicated when:
- Rapid growth or change in appearance
- Increasing size or vascularity
- Development of pigmentation
- Extension onto the cornea (suggesting transformation to pterygium)
- Persistent symptoms despite conservative management
Key Takeaways
- Pinguecula is a common, benign conjunctival growth that appears as a yellowish-white nodule near the cornea
- Unlike pterygium, it does not grow onto the corneal surface
- UV exposure is the primary risk factor
- Most cases require no treatment beyond lubrication and UV protection
- Any rapid change in appearance warrants ophthalmological evaluation to rule out neoplastic conditions