Pterygium vs. Pinguecula: What is the difference?

Pterygium vs. Pinguecula: What is the difference?

At Clarity Eye Surgeons in Canberra, patients receive expert eye care led by Dr Parth Shah, an experienced ophthalmologist and eye surgeon specialising in corneal and external eye diseases. With 10 years of surgical experience, advanced diagnostic tools, and evidence-based treatment approaches, our clinic has successfully treated many patients with pterygium and pinguecula — two common yet often confusing eye surface conditions. This guide helps you understand how they differ, what causes them, and when to seek treatment.

What is the main difference between pterygium and pinguecula?

The key difference lies in growth and severity.

  • Pinguecula is a small, yellowish raised bump on the white part of the eye (conjunctiva), usually near the cornea but not covering it.

  • Pterygium, on the other hand, is a fleshy, triangular tissue growth that starts on the conjunctiva and can extend over the cornea, potentially affecting vision.

In short:

  • Pinguecula = bump that stays put.

  • Pterygium = growth that can spread and distort vision.

A closure look:

Both conditions are related to long-term UV exposure, dry environments, and irritants such as dust and wind. However, pterygium tends to grow aggressively, while pinguecula generally remains small and benign.

At Clarity Eye Surgeons in Canberra, we often see patients who initially present with a pinguecula that later develops into a pterygium due to continued sun or wind exposure without proper eye protection.

What causes pterygium and pinguecula?

What causes pterygium and pinguecula?

Both are UV-related degenerative conditions of the conjunctiva — the clear membrane covering the white of the eye.
The major causes include:

  • Dryness – Caused by reduced tear production or chronic UV exposure irritating the eye surface.

  • The feeling of having something in your eye – Due to the elevated pterygium tissue rubbing against the eyelid.

  • A raised, wedge-shaped growth on the surface of the eye – Caused by long-term UV light exposure leading to tissue overgrowth.

  • Redness and mild eye pain – Resulting from inflammation of the overgrown conjunctival tissue.

  • Diminished vision – Occurs when the growth extends onto the cornea and distorts vision.

  • Itching or burning sensation in the eye – Caused by irritation and dryness from the abnormal tissue growth.

Expert insight

In Canberra, where UV levels are high year-round, these conditions are particularly common. Regular sun protection — such as wearing wraparound sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats — can significantly reduce the risk.

How do pterygium and pinguecula affect vision?

  • Pinguecula: usually does not affect vision. It may cause mild irritation, redness, or a foreign-body sensation.

  • Pterygium: can cause blurred vision if it grows onto the cornea or alters its curvature. It may also cause redness, discomfort, or cosmetic concerns.

Expansion

Pterygium may induce astigmatism — a change in corneal shape — leading to visual distortion. In advanced cases, surgery is the only effective way to restore clear vision and prevent recurrence.

How are pterygium and pinguecula diagnosed?

Diagnosis is straightforward and involves a comprehensive eye examination using a slit-lamp microscope.

Ophthalmologist performs a detailed anterior segment evaluation to determine:

  • The size and progression of the growth.

  • Any corneal involvement.

  • Signs of inflammation or dryness.

No imaging or invasive tests are usually required unless there are complications.

What is the treatment for pinguecula?

In most cases, pinguecula treatment is conservative.

Ophthalmologists usually recommend:

  • Lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness.

  • Anti-inflammatory drops if redness or irritation occurs.

  • UV protection to prevent worsening.

Pinguecula rarely requires surgery unless it becomes cosmetically bothersome or chronically inflamed. With good sun protection and regular lubrication, it can remain stable for years.

What is the treatment for pterygium?

Pterygium treatment depends on the size, symptoms, and corneal involvement.

  • Mild cases: managed with lubricating and anti-inflammatory drops.

  • Progressive or vision-affecting cases: require surgical removal (pterygium excision).

Surgical expertise at Clarity Eye Surgeons

Dr Parth Shah performs advanced pterygium surgery using techniques such as conjunctival autograft and tissue glue, which reduce recurrence rates and improve cosmetic outcomes. Post-surgery, patients typically experience clearer vision, reduced irritation, and a natural eye appearance.

Can pinguecula turn into pterygium?

Yes, in some cases.

Continuous UV exposure and eye irritation can cause a pinguecula to transform into a pterygium. This is why early prevention and UV protection are essential.

Expansion

Protecting your eyes from the sun, using lubricating drops regularly, and avoiding environmental irritants can prevent progression from a small pinguecula to a more aggressive pterygium.

When should you see an eye specialist?

You should book an appointment if you experience:

  • Persistent redness or irritation.

  • Growth spreading onto the cornea.

  • Blurred or distorted vision.

  • Cosmetic concern about the eye’s appearance.

Conclusion

While both pterygium and pinguecula are benign eye conditions, they can cause discomfort and, in advanced stages, affect your vision. Protecting your eyes from UV exposure is the best prevention.

If you notice any growth, redness, or irritation on your eye’s surface, do not ignore it — get a professional evaluation.

At Clarity Eye Surgeons in Canberra, our team offers comprehensive assessment, tailored medical care, and surgical expertise to help you maintain healthy, clear, and comfortable eyes.

Book your appointment today at Clarity Eye Surgeons to get expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for all types of eye surface conditions. Let our experienced specialists help you see the world with clarity and confidence.

Author bio

Dr Parth Shah is a director and principal ophthalmologist at Clarity Eye Surgeons in Canberra. With extensive training and experience, he is renowned for his expertise in the field. Dr Shah is dedicated not only to performing successful surgeries but also to patient education. His compassionate approach, combined with technical proficiency, has earned him the trust and gratitude of countless patients. He is a true advocate for eye health and a trusted name in the Canberra ophthalmology community.

FAQs

Yes. While pinguecula usually remains stable after conservative treatment, pterygium can recur even after surgical removal. However, advanced surgical techniques like conjunctival autografting and tissue glue significantly lower the recurrence rate.

No. Both conditions are non-infectious and cannot spread from person to person. They are caused by environmental factors such as UV light and irritation, not bacteria or viruses.

Yes. People who wear contact lenses, especially in dusty or dry environments, may be more prone to eye irritation that can contribute to these conditions. Proper lens hygiene and UV-blocking contact lenses can help reduce risk.

They can appear in one or both eyes, but it is common for people to develop them on the side of the eye that faces the sun most often (typically the nasal side). Bilateral occurrence is also possible with prolonged UV exposure.

Yes, both can cause visible redness or a yellowish patch that may be cosmetically concerning. Pterygium, in particular, can make the eye appear uneven or inflamed. Cosmetic surgery can help restore a natural appearance if needed.

While home remedies cannot remove the growth, using preservative-free artificial tears, wearing sunglasses, and using a humidifier can help relieve symptoms and slow progression.

While they typically do not cause headaches, some patients may experience eye strain or discomfort due to dryness or visual distortion from corneal changes in advanced pterygium.

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