Pinguecula (patient information): Difference between revisions
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Pinguecula|here]] | For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Pinguecula|here]] | ||
==What is | ==What is pinguecula?== | ||
A pinguecula is a common, [[benign|non-cancerous]] growth of the [[conjunctiva]] (the [[Mucous membrane|mucus membrane]] lining the [[eyeball]] and underside of the [[eyelids]]). | A pinguecula is a common, [[benign|non-cancerous]] growth of the [[conjunctiva]] (the [[Mucous membrane|mucus membrane]] lining the [[eyeball]] and underside of the [[eyelids]]). | ||
==What are the symptoms of | ==What are the symptoms of pinguecula?== | ||
A pinguecula is a small, yellowish nodule on the [[conjunctiva]] near the [[cornea]]. It can appear on either side of the [[cornea]], but usually appears on the [[nose|nasal]] side. It may increase in size over many years. | A pinguecula is a small, yellowish nodule on the [[conjunctiva]] near the [[cornea]]. It can appear on either side of the [[cornea]], but usually appears on the [[nose|nasal]] side. It may increase in size over many years. | ||
==What are the causes of | ==What are the causes of pinguecula?== | ||
The cause is unknown, but chronic [[sunlight]] exposure and [[eye]] irritation may contribute to its development. | The cause is unknown, but chronic [[sunlight]] exposure and [[eye]] irritation may contribute to its development. | ||
==Who is at risk for | ==Who is at risk for pinguecula?== | ||
People who are exposed to a great deal of [[sunlight]] (and consequently [[UV light]]), who live in tropical climates, and who suffer from [[eye]] irritation are at an increased risk of pinguecula. Certain occupations that may potentially damage the [[eyes]], such as welding, also increase the risk. | People who are exposed to a great deal of [[sunlight]] (and consequently [[UV light]]), who live in tropical climates, and who suffer from [[eye]] irritation are at an increased risk of pinguecula. Certain occupations that may potentially damage the [[eyes]], such as welding, also increase the risk. | ||
==How to know you have | ==How to know you have pinguecula?== | ||
An [[eye]] examination is often enough to diagnose this disorder. It is to be distinguished clinically from [[pterygium]], which is a wedge shaped area of [[fibrosis]] that appears to grow into the [[cornea]]. | An [[eye]] examination is often enough to diagnose this disorder. It is to be distinguished clinically from [[pterygium]], which is a wedge shaped area of [[fibrosis]] that appears to grow into the [[cornea]]. | ||
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*[[Pterygium]] | *[[Pterygium]] | ||
==Where to find medical care for | ==Where to find medical care for pinguecula== | ||
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}| | [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|pinguecula}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating pinguecula] | ||
==Prevention of | ==Prevention of pinguecula== | ||
It is not known whether this condition can be fully prevented. However, it may help to avoid [[eye]] irritants and to wear good quality [[sunglasses]] to block harmful [[UV rays]]. | It is not known whether this condition can be fully prevented. However, it may help to avoid [[eye]] irritants and to wear good quality [[sunglasses]] to block harmful [[UV rays]]. | ||
Revision as of 20:50, 13 January 2010
Editor-in-Chief: Erin E. Lord
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
What is pinguecula?
A pinguecula is a common, non-cancerous growth of the conjunctiva (the mucus membrane lining the eyeball and underside of the eyelids).
What are the symptoms of pinguecula?
A pinguecula is a small, yellowish nodule on the conjunctiva near the cornea. It can appear on either side of the cornea, but usually appears on the nasal side. It may increase in size over many years.
What are the causes of pinguecula?
The cause is unknown, but chronic sunlight exposure and eye irritation may contribute to its development.
Who is at risk for pinguecula?
People who are exposed to a great deal of sunlight (and consequently UV light), who live in tropical climates, and who suffer from eye irritation are at an increased risk of pinguecula. Certain occupations that may potentially damage the eyes, such as welding, also increase the risk.
How to know you have pinguecula?
An eye examination is often enough to diagnose this disorder. It is to be distinguished clinically from pterygium, which is a wedge shaped area of fibrosis that appears to grow into the cornea.
When to seek urgent medical care
Urgent medical care is not usually necessary for pinguecula. If the size, shape, or color of a pinguecula changes, or if it starts to impair vision, an eye doctor should be seen.
Treatment options
Usually no treatment is needed. Lubrication with artificial tears, and sometimes the temporary use of mild steroid eye drops can be helpful. Rarely, the growth may need to be removed to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, some choose to have it surgically removed for cosmetic reasons.
Diseases with similar symptoms
See also:
Where to find medical care for pinguecula
Directions to Hospitals Treating pinguecula
Prevention of pinguecula
It is not known whether this condition can be fully prevented. However, it may help to avoid eye irritants and to wear good quality sunglasses to block harmful UV rays.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
This condition is non-cancerous and the outlook is good.
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001025.htm