Hyaline (fatty) dystrophy (pinguecula)
Symptoms
- Small yellowish lump on the conjunctiva of the eye
- Dry eyes
- Eye redness
Diagnostics
Determined by routine eye examination
Treatment
- Moisturising eye drops
- Glasses with UV protection
- Rarely – surgery
What is hyaline dystrophy?
Pinguecula is a common age-related condition and appears as a white or yellowish lump on the white part of the eye (sclera) due to thickening of the conjunctiva (thin protective layer), usually near the corneal edge.
They are mostly harmless and usually occur after prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun.
What are the symptoms of hyaline dystrophy?
Many people with Pinguecula do not experience any symptoms. But there is a chance that a bump on the surface of the eye may interact with the tear film on the surface of the eye, which can cause dry eyes. Other symptoms of pinguecula include red eyes and eye irritation.
What causes hyaline dystrophy?
Pinguecula develops as a normal part of the ageing process, and most people over 70 have it.
- The main cause of Pinguecula is prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. So if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you are more likely to develop pinguecula.
- Other causes can be chronic irritation caused by wind or dust, and sometimes contact lens wear can contribute to the development of this condition.
How is hyaline dystrophy diagnosed?
Hyaline dystrophy can be diagnosed during a routine eye examination. During the visit, the eye care professional will use a slit lamp to assess the growth of the pinguecula and prescribe the most appropriate treatment for you.
What help is available?
If the symptoms of pinguecula do not cause significant discomfort, you do not need treatment. However, if you have accompanying symptoms of dry eye syndrome or feel as if something has fallen into your eye, moisturising eye drops can help relieve the symptoms. Sunglasses or contact lenses with UV-blocking filters can help protect the pinguecula from further UV exposure.
In very rare cases, if the pinguecula causes discomfort or inflammation, it may need to be removed surgically.
Take care of your eyes!
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Frequently asked questions
Is pinguecula a serious disease?
Pinguecula is not a dangerous and often untreatable disease. However, if you have accompanying symptoms of dry eye syndrome or feel as if something has fallen into your eye, moisturising eye drops can help relieve the symptoms.
Can pinguecula be cured?
Yes, in minor cases, moisturising eye drops can be used to relieve symptoms.
Is it possible to remove a pinguecula?
This is a normal change on the surface of the eye, so surgical removal of Pinguecula is only used in the rarest cases.
What is the difference between pterygium and pinguecula?
A pinguecula is a small, white or yellowish lump located only on the conjunctiva. The pterygium is a fibrous growth on the surface of the eye that starts from the conjunctiva and may extend to the cornea. Pterygium can grow large enough to affect your vision under certain circumstances.
What is inflammatory pinguecula?
If Pinguecula arises as an inflammation, discomfort, irritation and redness of the eyes may occur.
What is a pinguecula?
The pinguecula is a thickened spot that develops on the white part of the eye. Pinguecula damages the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye.
