Pingueculum

Pingueculum

Definition

Harmless grayish yellow thickening of the conjunctival epithelium in the palpe-bral fissure.

Epidemiology: Pinguecula are the most frequently observed conjunctivalchanges.

Etiology: The harmless thickening of the conjunctiva is due tohyalinedegeneration of the subepithelial collagen tissue. Advanced age and exposureto sun, wind, and dust foster the occurrence of the disorder.

Symptoms: Pingueculum does not cause any symptoms.

Diagnostic considerations: Inspection will reveal grayish yellow thickeningat 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock on the limbus. The base of the triangular thickening (often located medially) will be parallel to the limbus of the cornea; the tip will be directed toward the angle of the eye (Fig. 4.2).

Differential diagnosis: A pingueculum is an unequivocal finding.

Treatment: No treatment is necessary.