---
title: "Pinguecula | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What a pinguecula is, why this harmless yellowish growth forms on the white of the eye, how it differs from a pterygium, and how to ease irritation."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/pinguecula/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Pinguecula

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

A pinguecula is a small, harmless yellowish bump on the white of the eye, usually on the side nearest the nose. It is linked to sun, wind and dust exposure. It does not usually affect vision, and lubricating drops and sun protection ease any irritation.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes and risk factors
5. Treatment and self-care
6. Related conditions
7. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

A pinguecula is a raised, yellowish deposit on the conjunctiva, the clear surface over the white of the eye. It is very common, harmless, and does not grow onto the cornea, which is what sets it apart from a pterygium.

## Common symptoms

Many pingueculae cause few symptoms beyond their appearance.

- A small yellowish raised bump on the white of the eye
- Sometimes redness or irritation, especially in dry or dusty conditions
- A dry or gritty feeling
- No effect on vision

## Causes and risk factors

A pinguecula is linked to long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, wind and dust. It becomes more common with age and in people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

## Treatment and self-care

No treatment is usually needed. Lubricating drops ease dryness and irritation, and protecting your eyes from UV light with wraparound sunglasses helps. If a pinguecula becomes very red or inflamed, a clinician can advise on short-term treatment.

## Related conditions

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a pinguecula harmful?

No, a pinguecula is harmless and does not usually affect vision. It is not cancer and rarely needs treatment beyond lubricating drops and sun protection.

### What is the difference between a pinguecula and a pterygium?

A pinguecula is a bump that stays on the white of the eye, while a pterygium is a growth that can extend onto the cornea and may affect vision.

### Can a pinguecula be removed?

It is rarely necessary, but a pinguecula that is persistently inflamed or bothersome can sometimes be removed. Most are simply managed with drops and sun protection.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Pinguecula - College of Optometrists](https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/clinical-management-guidelines/pinguecula)