Pinguecula: symptoms, causes and treatment

The sclera, aka the whites of the eyes, should appear clear white. However, if when you look in the mirror you notice yellowish spots on the surface of the sclera, you should be alert. You may experience a condition called pinguecula. This condition tends to occur if you are exposed to a lot of air pollution. What exactly causes pinguecula and how to deal with it? Check out the explanation below.

What is the meaning of a pinguecula?

Pingueculae are growths that look like yellow dots or bumps on the conjunctiva (the clear tissue that lines the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelid). This yellow dot usually appears at the corner of the eye close to the nose. The yellow spots are composed of fat, calcium and protein.

Quoted from the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, pinguecula comes from the Latin "pinguis", which means fat. This condition usually only occurs in one eye. However, it is possible to occur in both eyes at once.

Pinguecula does not affect visual acuity. However, this condition can become inflamed and make you feel uncomfortable. When inflamed, this condition is called pingueculitis.

These yellow spots can be the precursor to an eye condition called pterygium. Although it may not be bothersome, if the pterygium continues to develop, it can block your vision.

What are the symptoms of a pinguecula?

Pinguecular symptoms can be mild to severe and include:

• Yellow spots on the eyes
• Dry, itchy, burning eyes
• The feeling of having sand sticking to the eyes
• Blurred vision

What causes pinguecula?

Pinguecula spots are quite common in people who have dry and red eyes, for example from irritation from exposure to dust and dirt in the air or from staring at electronic screens for too long. In addition, direct exposure to UV rays of the sun on the eyes can also cause pinguecular yellow spots to appear.

In addition, here are factors that can increase your risk of developing pinguecula:

• Age. Pinguecula is more common in those in their 80s
• Male sex, because it is considered more often exposed to pollution at work
• The use of dry contact lenses can also increase the risk of this condition
• Gaucher's disease has also been linked to this condition

How to deal with pinguecula?

Usually, these yellow spots don't need any treatment. However, if it makes you feel uncomfortable, there are several treatment options for yellow spots that you can take. Here are the options:

1. Eye drops

This eye problem can be treated by using steroid eye drops or eye drops containing NSAIDs to relieve the inflammation that causes red eye.

2. Operation

Yellow patches on the eyes due to the pinguecula can be removed surgically, especially if the patches are enlarged in size and cause further irritation of the eye.

Surgery to remove yellow spots on the eyes is performed for aesthetic reasons. Usually, surgery is not recommended and is needed.

Surgery is an attempt that is done when the irritation does not go away after you have done the treatment mentioned above. After going through surgery, your condition must be monitored by a doctor.

3. Argon laser photocoagulation

This is an alternative procedure to surgery to remove yellow spots on the eyes. In this procedure, a high-power laser is used for the thick pinguecula and a low blood laser to remove the thinner pinguecula.

This procedure is safe to do for cosmetic or cosmetic reasons. The complications that may arise from this procedure also tend to be small.

How can you prevent this condition?

Source: AC Lens

Here are tips you can do to prevent pingueculae:

• Wear sunglasses to reduce exposure to direct sunlight, as well as dust and dirt in the air.
• Shed artificial tears if the eyes feel very dry.
• Make sure you are not deficient in vitamin A. Eat foods rich in vitamin A such as salmon, cheese and carrots.

If you have experienced this condition and don't want to experience it again, an important step you can take is to avoid sunlight and dust.