[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1104},["ShallowReactive",2],{"microcopies":3,"page-data-/eye-health/eye-conditions/pinguecula":9},{"of":4,"jumpToSection":5,"home":6,"availableAt":7,"accessedUpdated":8},"of","Jump to section","Home","Available at","Accessed",{"queryData":10,"breadcrumbTrail":1103},{"contentPage":11},{"entryTitle":12,"pageTitle":13,"seoMetaData":14,"topSection":19,"bottomSection":27,"anchors":38,"mainSectionCollection":76},"NZ - Eye Health - Eye Conditions - Pinguecula","Yellow bump on your eye? Might be pinguecula",{"metaDescription":15,"indexed":16,"follow":16,"metaKeywords":17,"updatedForProjectAlphabet":18},"Pinguecula explained: understand this common eye growth, its symptoms, causes and when to see an eye care professional for assessment.",true,null,false,{"__typename":20,"sys":21,"button":17,"title":23,"subtitle":24,"theme":25,"heroHeightVersion":26},"HeroBanner",{"id":22},"3T2S41rrDsTNJH8gZPRTu2","Pinguecula","Noticed a yellow spot on your eyeball or a bump on your eye? Learn about pinguecula, a common eye growth, its causes, and how it's treated. ","Ellipse","Condensed",{"__typename":28,"sys":29,"title":31,"body":32,"buttonsCollection":33},"FullWidthBannerFooter",{"id":30},"51o4LDgfgwIbWVUJ0kcQ8X","Let's get your vision sorted","Noticed a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help. ",{"items":34},[35],{"linkText":36,"linkUrl":37,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18},"Book an eye test","/book/location",{"anchorLinksCollection":39},{"items":40},[41,46,51,56,61,66,71],{"anchorLabel":42,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":43},"What is Pinguecula?",{"sys":44},{"id":45},"5WCBQHyexkK8WP6WbyBymB",{"anchorLabel":47,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":48},"Symptoms",{"sys":49},{"id":50},"5KBQT30BSZQEQa3Vh4Q2Wz",{"anchorLabel":52,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":53},"Causes",{"sys":54},{"id":55},"1nsGJBiKlMx5ZBopdXPO6W",{"anchorLabel":57,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":58},"Diagnosis",{"sys":59},{"id":60},"6rR2q6XTUGipTGLhpkzpd5",{"anchorLabel":62,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":63},"Treatment",{"sys":64},{"id":65},"7dja9Zf45wyx3rGUzJMhGR",{"anchorLabel":67,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":68},"Prevention",{"sys":69},{"id":70},"7pSoOpzdWLusbXNIwe7E0W",{"anchorLabel":72,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":73},"FAQs",{"sys":74},{"id":75},"uvsuEGK0AXPFZwqPMcSs6",{"items":77},[78,86,140,169,214,17,252,388,461,550,586,609,707,743,856,871,901,957,1052,1083],{"__typename":79,"sys":80,"linkEntries":82,"title":84,"body":85,"leftAligned":16},"Summary",{"id":81},"guDSI5sf4SyjAffbIrvqD",{"items":83},[],"Pinguecula overview ","A pinguecula (pronounced pin-GWEK-yoo-luh) is a common, non-cancerous growth that appears as a yellowish patch or raised spot on the white part of your eye. It usually forms on the side closest to your nose but can also appear on the outer side. While it might look concerning, it's usually harmless.",{"__typename":87,"sys":88,"title":90,"subtitle":91,"hotspotConfigurator":92,"hotspotImageReference":138},"MediaHotspotCarousel",{"id":89},"11TQUUVIpDgg4Eo2nIx5Ao","How your eye's surface works","To understand pinguecula, it helps to know about the surface of your eye. ",{"assetId":93,"hotspots":94},"350sGiM8GbjQkEI0o4ovOO",[95,108,118,128],{"x":96,"y":97,"id":98,"label":99,"theme":100,"isValid":16,"bodyCopy":101,"naturalX":102,"naturalY":103,"percentageX":104,"percentageY":105,"appImageWidth":106,"appImageHeight":107},289.50000000000006,95.99999999999999,"TR4ktjgAbXu3nJ9y2w-Kt","Conjunctiva","Light","The clear, thin membrane that covers the white part of your eye (sclera) and the inside of your eyelids. It helps lubricate the eye and protects it from germs.",337.2559726962458,111.87692307692306,32.935153583617755,18.46153846153846,879,520,{"x":109,"y":110,"id":111,"label":112,"theme":100,"isValid":16,"bodyCopy":113,"naturalX":114,"naturalY":115,"percentageX":116,"percentageY":117,"appImageWidth":106,"appImageHeight":107},306.5,381,"B4U08oheEbzMym-QivBBQ","Sclera","The tough, white outer layer of the eyeball that gives the eye its shape and protects its inner components.",357.0602957906712,444.01153846153846,34.86916951080774,73.26923076923076,{"x":119,"y":120,"id":121,"label":122,"theme":100,"isValid":16,"bodyCopy":123,"naturalX":124,"naturalY":125,"percentageX":126,"percentageY":127,"appImageWidth":106,"appImageHeight":107},209.5,264,"r7BJPnq1bG0lQ-znJBDTa","Cornea","The transparent layer of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. It helps to focus light onto the retina.",244.05915813424346,307.66153846153844,23.83390216154721,50.76923076923077,{"x":129,"y":130,"id":131,"label":132,"theme":100,"isValid":16,"bodyCopy":133,"naturalX":134,"naturalY":135,"percentageX":136,"percentageY":137,"appImageWidth":106,"appImageHeight":107},255.5,349,"CbGQJZA0zeWCQFRT9kuvw","Limbus","The border between the cornea and the sclera. Pingueculae typically form near this area.",297.6473265073948,406.71923076923076,29.067121729237773,67.11538461538461,{"url":139},"https://images.ctfassets.net/uuaxywrybmpn/350sGiM8GbjQkEI0o4ovOO/7e4782176839acfa37700a5ed7f9b183/blind-spot-pupil-reflex-2zejrof6swffvdyi15fr40.jpg",{"__typename":141,"sys":142,"theme":143,"genericTextComponent":144},"ContentTypeRichText",{"id":45},"Cool Blue",{"json":145,"links":166},{"data":146,"content":147,"nodeType":165},{},[148,157],{"data":149,"content":150,"nodeType":156},{},[151],{"data":152,"marks":153,"value":154,"nodeType":155},{},[],"What is a pinguecula? ","text","heading-2",{"data":158,"content":159,"nodeType":164},{},[160],{"data":161,"marks":162,"value":163,"nodeType":155},{},[],"A pinguecula is a degenerative condition of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of your eye. It's essentially a deposit of protein, fat, and calcium that forms a small, yellowish bump on the eyeball. While it can feel like a pimple on the eyeball or a blister in the eye, it's a different type of growth. A pinguecula is not a tumour and is not cancerous. It's a common condition, especially in people who spend a lot of time outdoors and are exposed to sun, wind, and dust. ","paragraph","document",{"entries":167},{"block":168},[],{"__typename":141,"sys":170,"theme":172,"genericTextComponent":173},{"id":171},"5o8pBIXGf3VpiqcDlMxjjV","Mono White",{"json":174,"links":209},{"nodeType":165,"data":175,"content":176},{},[177,185,193,202],{"nodeType":178,"data":179,"content":180},"heading-4",{},[181],{"nodeType":155,"value":182,"marks":183,"data":184},"Let’s get your vision sorted ",[],{},{"nodeType":186,"data":187,"content":188},"heading-5",{},[189],{"nodeType":155,"value":190,"marks":191,"data":192},"Noticed your eyes hurting, or a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.  ",[],{},{"nodeType":194,"data":195,"content":201},"embedded-entry-block",{"target":196},{"sys":197},{"id":198,"type":199,"linkType":200},"395b8esPHoSP6jWAob1ApE","Link","Entry",[],{"nodeType":164,"data":203,"content":204},{},[205],{"nodeType":155,"value":206,"marks":207,"data":208},"",[],{},{"entries":210},{"block":211},[212],{"__typename":199,"sys":213,"linkText":36,"linkUrl":37,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18},{"id":198},{"__typename":141,"sys":215,"theme":143,"genericTextComponent":217},{"id":216},"15bBm92lHgsGHnVambQ2mG",{"json":218,"links":247},{"data":219,"content":220,"nodeType":165},{},[221,229,236,241],{"data":222,"content":223,"nodeType":228},{},[224],{"data":225,"marks":226,"value":227,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Pinguecula vs. Pterygium ","heading-3",{"data":230,"content":231,"nodeType":164},{},[232],{"data":233,"marks":234,"value":235,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Pinguecula and pterygium can look similar, as both are growths on the eye’s surface, but there’s a key difference. A pinguecula is a small, yellowish bump on the conjunctiva that doesn’t grow over the cornea, while a pterygium (sometimes called surfer’s eye) is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth that starts on the conjunctiva and can extend onto the cornea. ",{"data":237,"content":240,"nodeType":194},{"target":238},{"sys":239},{"id":198,"type":199,"linkType":200},[],{"data":242,"content":243,"nodeType":164},{},[244],{"data":245,"marks":246,"value":206,"nodeType":155},{},[],{"entries":248},{"block":249},[250],{"__typename":199,"sys":251,"linkText":36,"linkUrl":37,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18},{"id":198},{"__typename":141,"sys":253,"theme":172,"genericTextComponent":254},{"id":50},{"json":255,"links":385},{"data":256,"content":257,"nodeType":165},{},[258,265,272,279,286,293,312,319,326,333,340,347,365,372,379],{"data":259,"content":260,"nodeType":156},{},[261],{"data":262,"marks":263,"value":264,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Symptoms of a pinguecula ",{"data":266,"content":267,"nodeType":164},{},[268],{"data":269,"marks":270,"value":271,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Many people with a pinguecula have no symptoms other than the appearance of the yellow spot on the eyeball. However, when a pinguecula becomes inflamed (a condition called pingueculitis), it can cause discomfort. Common symptoms include: ",{"data":273,"content":274,"nodeType":178},{},[275],{"data":276,"marks":277,"value":278,"nodeType":155},{},[],"A yellowish or white bump on the eyeball",{"data":280,"content":281,"nodeType":164},{},[282],{"data":283,"marks":284,"value":285,"nodeType":155},{},[],"This is the most common sign, often appearing on the side of the eye closest to the nose. ",{"data":287,"content":288,"nodeType":178},{},[289],{"data":290,"marks":291,"value":292,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Red or bloodshot eyes",{"data":294,"content":295,"nodeType":164},{},[296,300,309],{"data":297,"marks":298,"value":299,"nodeType":155},{},[],"The area around the pinguecula can become inflamed and red. \nLearn more about ",{"data":301,"content":303,"nodeType":308},{"uri":302},"/eye-health/eye-conditions/red-eye",[304],{"data":305,"marks":306,"value":307,"nodeType":155},{},[],"red or bloodshot eyes ","hyperlink",{"data":310,"marks":311,"value":206,"nodeType":155},{},[],{"data":313,"content":314,"nodeType":178},{},[315],{"data":316,"marks":317,"value":318,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Feeling of something in your eye",{"data":320,"content":321,"nodeType":164},{},[322],{"data":323,"marks":324,"value":325,"nodeType":155},{},[],"The raised bump can cause a gritty or sandy sensation.  ",{"data":327,"content":328,"nodeType":178},{},[329],{"data":330,"marks":331,"value":332,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Itchy eyes",{"data":334,"content":335,"nodeType":164},{},[336],{"data":337,"marks":338,"value":339,"nodeType":155},{},[],"The affected eye may feel itchy and irritated.  ",{"data":341,"content":342,"nodeType":178},{},[343],{"data":344,"marks":345,"value":346,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Dry eye sensation",{"data":348,"content":349,"nodeType":164},{},[350,354,362],{"data":351,"marks":352,"value":353,"nodeType":155},{},[],"A pinguecula can disrupt the tear film, leading to symptoms of dry eye syndrome. \n Learn more about",{"data":355,"content":357,"nodeType":308},{"uri":356},"/eye-health/eye-conditions/dry-eye-syndrome",[358],{"data":359,"marks":360,"value":361,"nodeType":155},{},[]," dry eye syndrome ",{"data":363,"marks":364,"value":206,"nodeType":155},{},[],{"data":366,"content":367,"nodeType":178},{},[368],{"data":369,"marks":370,"value":371,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Eye stinging and watering",{"data":373,"content":374,"nodeType":164},{},[375],{"data":376,"marks":377,"value":378,"nodeType":155},{},[],"The irritation can cause the eye to sting and produce excess tears. ",{"data":380,"content":381,"nodeType":164},{},[382],{"data":383,"marks":384,"value":206,"nodeType":155},{},[],{"entries":386},{"block":387},[],{"__typename":389,"sys":390,"switchSequenceAtMobile":18,"backgroundTheme":391,"leftColumnCollection":392,"rightColumnCollection":418},"TwoColumnLayout",{"id":55},"Blue",{"items":393},[394],{"__typename":141,"sys":395,"theme":172,"genericTextComponent":397},{"id":396},"4CayDY5kFkOvpXgnD8acFC",{"json":398,"links":415},{"nodeType":165,"data":399,"content":400},{},[401,408],{"nodeType":228,"data":402,"content":403},{},[404],{"nodeType":155,"value":405,"marks":406,"data":407},"What causes a pinguecula? ",[],{},{"nodeType":164,"data":409,"content":410},{},[411],{"nodeType":155,"value":412,"marks":413,"data":414},"We don’t know the exact cause of a pinguecula, but it’s strongly linked to long-term exposure to things like sunlight, wind and dust. UV rays from the sun are the biggest risk factor, especially for people living in sunny places or spending a lot of time outdoors without sunglasses. Wind and dust can also irritate the eyes and play a part. ",[],{},{"entries":416},{"block":417},[],{"items":419},[420],{"__typename":141,"sys":421,"theme":172,"genericTextComponent":423},{"id":422},"4zOrAqRuqOND7c5UfiFERn",{"json":424,"links":458},{"nodeType":165,"data":425,"content":426},{},[427,434,441],{"nodeType":228,"data":428,"content":429},{},[430],{"nodeType":155,"value":431,"marks":432,"data":433},"Who’s more likely to get it? ",[],{},{"nodeType":164,"data":435,"content":436},{},[437],{"nodeType":155,"value":438,"marks":439,"data":440},"Pingueculae tend to be more common in middle-aged and older adults, likely due to years of exposure. People with dry eye syndrome may also be more likely to develop one. ",[],{},{"nodeType":164,"data":442,"content":443},{},[444,448,455],{"nodeType":155,"value":445,"marks":446,"data":447},"Learn more about ",[],{},{"nodeType":308,"data":449,"content":450},{"uri":356},[451],{"nodeType":155,"value":452,"marks":453,"data":454}," dry eye syndrome",[],{},{"nodeType":155,"value":206,"marks":456,"data":457},[],{},{"entries":459},{"block":460},[],{"__typename":141,"sys":462,"theme":172,"genericTextComponent":463},{"id":60},{"json":464,"links":535},{"data":465,"content":466,"nodeType":165},{},[467,474,480,487,494,501,508,515,522,529],{"data":468,"content":469,"nodeType":156},{},[470],{"data":471,"marks":472,"value":473,"nodeType":155},{},[],"How is a pinguecula diagnosed? ",{"data":475,"content":479,"nodeType":194},{"target":476},{"sys":477},{"id":478,"type":199,"linkType":200},"2iYyUxHVfTPm5mwXXRMvLU",[],{"data":481,"content":482,"nodeType":164},{},[483],{"data":484,"marks":485,"value":486,"nodeType":155},{},[],"An optometrist can usually diagnose a pinguecula with a simple eye examination. They will look closely at your eyes, often using a slit lamp, which is a microscope with a bright light. This allows them to see the bump on your eyeball in high magnification and confirm that it is a pinguecula and not a more serious condition. They will also assess the overall health of your eyes and may ask questions about your lifestyle, such as how much time you spend outdoors, to understand the potential causes. ",{"data":488,"content":489,"nodeType":178},{},[490],{"data":491,"marks":492,"value":493,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Visual Acuity Test",{"data":495,"content":496,"nodeType":164},{},[497],{"data":498,"marks":499,"value":500,"nodeType":155},{},[],"This standard eye chart test checks if your vision has been affected, which is rare with a pinguecula. ",{"data":502,"content":503,"nodeType":178},{},[504],{"data":505,"marks":506,"value":507,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Slit-Lamp Examination",{"data":509,"content":510,"nodeType":164},{},[511],{"data":512,"marks":513,"value":514,"nodeType":155},{},[],"This is the key diagnostic tool. The optometrist will examine the conjunctiva, cornea, and other parts of your eye to assess the size and characteristics of the growth and check for any signs of inflammation or other issues. ",{"data":516,"content":517,"nodeType":178},{},[518],{"data":519,"marks":520,"value":521,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Corneal Topography",{"data":523,"content":524,"nodeType":164},{},[525],{"data":526,"marks":527,"value":528,"nodeType":155},{},[],"In some cases, a mapping of the cornea's surface may be done to see if the pinguecula is affecting the shape of the cornea, which could impact vision. ",{"data":530,"content":531,"nodeType":164},{},[532],{"data":533,"marks":534,"value":206,"nodeType":155},{},[],{"entries":536},{"block":537},[538],{"__typename":539,"sys":540,"imageEntriesCollection":541},"MediaImageSet",{"id":478},{"items":542},[543],{"__typename":544,"sys":545,"captionText":17,"imageAltText":547,"imageLink":17,"image":548},"MediaImage",{"id":546},"3Qad9CC7FVvG3UmWjmeFyL","An eye care professional smiles while talking to two patients in an examination room with medical equipment and computer monitors.",{"url":549},"https://images.ctfassets.net/uuaxywrybmpn/7nCPIhshGEO4NYU1HvEyHC/e875bf12bd1499aa717cc60b8865e371/bulk_billing_content1-960x700.webp",{"__typename":141,"sys":551,"theme":143,"genericTextComponent":553},{"id":552},"Am3atiu7jJ9fnbnsQSU3F",{"json":554,"links":581},{"nodeType":165,"data":555,"content":556},{},[557,563,570,575],{"nodeType":178,"data":558,"content":559},{},[560],{"nodeType":155,"value":182,"marks":561,"data":562},[],{},{"nodeType":186,"data":564,"content":565},{},[566],{"nodeType":155,"value":567,"marks":568,"data":569},"Noticed your eyes hurting, or a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help. ",[],{},{"nodeType":194,"data":571,"content":574},{"target":572},{"sys":573},{"id":198,"type":199,"linkType":200},[],{"nodeType":164,"data":576,"content":577},{},[578],{"nodeType":155,"value":206,"marks":579,"data":580},[],{},{"entries":582},{"block":583},[584],{"__typename":199,"sys":585,"linkText":36,"linkUrl":37,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18},{"id":198},{"__typename":141,"sys":587,"theme":172,"genericTextComponent":588},{"id":65},{"json":589,"links":606},{"data":590,"content":591,"nodeType":165},{},[592,599],{"data":593,"content":594,"nodeType":156},{},[595],{"data":596,"marks":597,"value":598,"nodeType":155},{},[],"How is a pinguecula treated? ",{"data":600,"content":601,"nodeType":164},{},[602],{"data":603,"marks":604,"value":605,"nodeType":155},{},[],"In most cases, a pinguecula doesn't require any treatment, especially if it's not causing any symptoms. However, if the pinguecula becomes inflamed (pingueculitis) and causes discomfort, your optometrist may recommend treatment to relieve the symptoms. ",{"entries":607},{"block":608},[],{"__typename":141,"sys":610,"theme":143,"genericTextComponent":612},{"id":611},"7Ho0rwLPPh3KUJVsdLrpYJ",{"json":613,"links":704},{"data":614,"content":615,"nodeType":165},{},[616,623,642,649,656,663,670,677,684,691,698],{"data":617,"content":618,"nodeType":228},{},[619],{"data":620,"marks":621,"value":622,"nodeType":155},{},[],"When a pinguecula needs medical help ",{"data":624,"content":625,"nodeType":164},{},[626,630,638],{"data":627,"marks":628,"value":629,"nodeType":155},{},[],"While a pinguecula is generally harmless, you should see an optometrist if you experience significant eye pain, a rapid change in the size or colour of the bump, or if your vision becomes ",{"data":631,"content":633,"nodeType":308},{"uri":632},"https://www.specsavers.co.nz/eye-health/eye-conditions/cloudy-vision",[634],{"data":635,"marks":636,"value":637,"nodeType":155},{},[],"blurry or cloudy",{"data":639,"marks":640,"value":641,"nodeType":155},{},[],". These could be signs of a more serious problem. ",{"data":643,"content":644,"nodeType":178},{},[645],{"data":646,"marks":647,"value":648,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Lubricating eye drops",{"data":650,"content":651,"nodeType":164},{},[652],{"data":653,"marks":654,"value":655,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Artificial tears can help to relieve dryness and the feeling of having something in your eye. ",{"data":657,"content":658,"nodeType":178},{},[659],{"data":660,"marks":661,"value":662,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Steroid eye drops or ointments",{"data":664,"content":665,"nodeType":164},{},[666],{"data":667,"marks":668,"value":669,"nodeType":155},{},[],"For more severe inflammation, your optometrist may prescribe steroid eye drops to reduce swelling and redness. ",{"data":671,"content":672,"nodeType":178},{},[673],{"data":674,"marks":675,"value":676,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Scleral contact lenses",{"data":678,"content":679,"nodeType":164},{},[680],{"data":681,"marks":682,"value":683,"nodeType":155},{},[],"In some cases, special contact lenses can be used to cover the growth, protecting it from dryness and some of the effects of exposure to wind and dust. ",{"data":685,"content":686,"nodeType":178},{},[687],{"data":688,"marks":689,"value":690,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Surgery",{"data":692,"content":693,"nodeType":164},{},[694],{"data":695,"marks":696,"value":697,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Surgical removal of a pinguecula is rarely necessary. It's usually only considered if the pinguecula is causing significant discomfort, interfering with contact lens wear, or if it's cosmetically bothersome. ",{"data":699,"content":700,"nodeType":164},{},[701],{"data":702,"marks":703,"value":206,"nodeType":155},{},[],{"entries":705},{"block":706},[],{"__typename":141,"sys":708,"theme":172,"genericTextComponent":709},{"id":70},{"json":710,"links":738},{"data":711,"content":712,"nodeType":165},{},[713,720,727,732],{"data":714,"content":715,"nodeType":228},{},[716],{"data":717,"marks":718,"value":719,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Preventing a pinguecula ",{"data":721,"content":722,"nodeType":164},{},[723],{"data":724,"marks":725,"value":726,"nodeType":155},{},[],"The best way to prevent a pinguecula or stop it getting worse is to protect your eyes from things like sun, wind and dust. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days. A wide-brimmed hat can help too. If you’re in a dusty or windy environment, use safety glasses or goggles. And if you have dry eyes, regular use of artificial tears can reduce irritation. ",{"data":728,"content":731,"nodeType":194},{"target":729},{"sys":730},{"id":198,"type":199,"linkType":200},[],{"data":733,"content":734,"nodeType":164},{},[735],{"data":736,"marks":737,"value":206,"nodeType":155},{},[],{"entries":739},{"block":740},[741],{"__typename":199,"sys":742,"linkText":36,"linkUrl":37,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18},{"id":198},{"__typename":744,"sys":745,"title":746,"theme":747,"expandFirstRow":18,"accordionEntriesCollection":748},"Accordion",{"id":75},"Common Pinguecula Questions","White",{"items":749},[750,766,781,796,811,826,841],{"__typename":751,"sys":752,"panel":754,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":765},"Faq",{"id":753},"5D5JpzPoYqvxKc5XebXCUq",{"json":755},{"data":756,"content":757,"nodeType":165},{},[758],{"data":759,"content":760,"nodeType":164},{},[761],{"data":762,"marks":763,"value":764,"nodeType":155},{},[],"A yellow spot or bump on the white of your eyeball is most likely a pinguecula. It's a common, non-cancerous growth made of protein, fat, and calcium deposits. It's usually caused by long-term exposure to sun, wind, and dust. ","What is the yellow spot on my eyeball?",{"__typename":751,"sys":767,"panel":769,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":780},{"id":768},"2StF8qufhGBjZp3D2WdSh0",{"json":770},{"data":771,"content":772,"nodeType":165},{},[773],{"data":774,"content":775,"nodeType":164},{},[776],{"data":777,"marks":778,"value":779,"nodeType":155},{},[],"A pinguecula is generally not serious and usually doesn't affect your vision. However, it can become inflamed and cause irritation, redness, and a gritty feeling. In rare cases, it can lead to a pterygium, which can affect vision. ","Is a pinguecula serious?",{"__typename":751,"sys":782,"panel":784,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":795},{"id":783},"3ch6daCEUn66882RzSps0V",{"json":785},{"data":786,"content":787,"nodeType":165},{},[788],{"data":789,"content":790,"nodeType":164},{},[791],{"data":792,"marks":793,"value":794,"nodeType":155},{},[],"No, a pinguecula will not go away on its own. However, any inflammation or irritation associated with it can be treated and will usually subside. The physical bump on the eyeball will remain unless it is surgically removed. ","Can a pinguecula go away on its own?",{"__typename":751,"sys":797,"panel":799,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":810},{"id":798},"744W568irwl5gikpDb0KKs",{"json":800},{"data":801,"content":802,"nodeType":165},{},[803],{"data":804,"content":805,"nodeType":164},{},[806],{"data":807,"marks":808,"value":809,"nodeType":155},{},[],"You can't get rid of a pinguecula yourself. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms like dryness and inflammation with eye drops. Surgical removal is an option but is usually only considered if the pinguecula is causing significant problems or for cosmetic reasons. ","How do you get rid of a pinguecula?",{"__typename":751,"sys":812,"panel":814,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":825},{"id":813},"3hvckHqebRoCilLoMgeFpW",{"json":815},{"data":816,"content":817,"nodeType":165},{},[818],{"data":819,"content":820,"nodeType":164},{},[821],{"data":822,"marks":823,"value":824,"nodeType":155},{},[],"A pinguecula is a yellowish deposit on the white of the eye that does not grow onto the cornea. A pterygium is a fleshy growth of tissue that can grow over the cornea and may affect your vision. A pterygium can sometimes develop from a pinguecula. ","What is the difference between a pinguecula and a pterygium?",{"__typename":751,"sys":827,"panel":829,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":840},{"id":828},"45niL7VRXZaqRMUM8KcIQw",{"json":830},{"data":831,"content":832,"nodeType":165},{},[833],{"data":834,"content":835,"nodeType":164},{},[836],{"data":837,"marks":838,"value":839,"nodeType":155},{},[],"While a pinguecula is a deposit of fat and protein, it is not directly linked to high cholesterol levels in the blood. The primary cause is environmental exposure, particularly UV light. ","Is a pinguecula a sign of high cholesterol?",{"__typename":751,"sys":842,"panel":844,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":855},{"id":843},"7tE1fAKrJogo988TYGpWnZ",{"json":845},{"data":846,"content":847,"nodeType":165},{},[848],{"data":849,"content":850,"nodeType":164},{},[851],{"data":852,"marks":853,"value":854,"nodeType":155},{},[],"It's possible to have a pinguecula in just one eye. If that eye is also watering, it's likely the pinguecula is inflamed (pingueculitis), causing irritation and reflex tearing. It's best to have it checked by an optometrist to confirm the cause. ","Why is only my left eye watering and has a bump?",{"__typename":857,"sys":858,"title":860,"body":861,"theme":862,"buttonCollection":863},"FullWidthBannerSimple",{"id":859},"1WGy75Pd8zIB5q5ZpdA2sW","Did you know?","AA Members are entitled to a free eye test (valued at $60), once every two years. Remember to present your AA Membership card in-store.","Block Colour",{"items":864},[865,868],{"linkText":866,"linkUrl":867,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18},"Book an appointment","/stores",{"linkText":869,"linkUrl":870,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18},"See more eye conditions","/eye-health/eye-conditions",{"__typename":872,"sys":873,"title":875,"backgroundTheme":747,"authorEntriesCollection":876},"AuthorContainer",{"id":874},"7LZ4hM1VkXTCzAV2m8FTG","Written with care and checked for accuracy ",{"items":877},[878],{"authorBiography":879,"authorName":897,"authorQualification":898,"authorPhoto":899},{"json":880},{"nodeType":165,"data":881,"content":882},{},[883,890],{"nodeType":164,"data":884,"content":885},{},[886],{"nodeType":155,"value":887,"marks":888,"data":889},"Kyla Fang is an early career optometrist with three years of experience at Specsavers Launceston in Regional Tasmania. She earned her Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry at the University of Canberra in 2022. ",[],{},{"nodeType":164,"data":891,"content":892},{},[893],{"nodeType":155,"value":894,"marks":895,"data":896},"Kyla enjoys all aspects of optometry, including primary care, myopia management, retinal disease, geriatric optometry, and collaborating with local ophthalmologists for glaucoma management. She has a particular passion for educating individuals about their eye health, helping them gain a better understanding of their vision and overall ocular well-being.",[],{},"Kyla Fang","BVisSc, MOptom",{"url":900},"https://images.ctfassets.net/uuaxywrybmpn/6Q37Ia7ZYHSysKEVs11mHE/3675191fc4661763ba06de75da8a3788/Kyla_Fang.jpeg",{"__typename":902,"sys":903,"title":905,"theme":747,"listType":906,"expandAccordion":18,"accordionEntriesCollection":907},"SingleRowAccordion",{"id":904},"6bv7Oz4y2bysU5pglWKwa7","Sources we've used","Numbered",{"items":908},[909,917,924,930,937,943,950],{"__typename":910,"sys":911,"citationAuthor":913,"citationYear":914,"citationDescription":915,"citationUrl":916,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},"Citation",{"id":912},"7IPfJQNuPIPxe1Id4FZpPQ","American Academy of Ophthalmology ",2024,"What is a pinguecula and a pterygium?","https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/pinguecula-pterygium",{"__typename":910,"sys":918,"citationAuthor":920,"citationYear":921,"citationDescription":922,"citationUrl":923,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":919},"1njp3SISEsiSAbxUeeYowD","Somnath, A. and Tripathy, K.",2023,"Pinguecula. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.","https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558965/",{"__typename":910,"sys":925,"citationAuthor":927,"citationYear":914,"citationDescription":928,"citationUrl":929,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":926},"4ntXoU61G5kLLt44uxBplo","Eftekhari, K. ","Pinguecula. EyeWiki.","https://eyewiki.org/Pinguecula",{"__typename":910,"sys":931,"citationAuthor":933,"citationYear":934,"citationDescription":935,"citationUrl":936,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":932},"6tiqidv6QnXE3jLQIK9abc","University of Utah Health ",2021,"Pinguecula. Moran Eye Center.","https://healthcare.utah.edu/moran/ophthalmology/corneal-disease/pinguecula",{"__typename":910,"sys":938,"citationAuthor":940,"citationYear":934,"citationDescription":941,"citationUrl":942,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":939},"6aeyi8Wro4LfR1vjloa7qb","Verywell Health","What causes a bump on the eyeball?","https://www.verywellhealth.com/bump-on-eyeball-5112019",{"__typename":910,"sys":944,"citationAuthor":946,"citationYear":947,"citationDescription":948,"citationUrl":949,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":945},"4YaTcqL1aoekMFHIBj7bd5","Syed, Z.A. & Garg, S.J. ",2025,"Pinguecula and Pterygium. MSD Manuals – Professional Version.","https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/eye-disorders/conjunctival-and-scleral-disorders/pinguecula-and-pterygium",{"__typename":910,"sys":951,"citationAuthor":953,"citationYear":954,"citationDescription":955,"citationUrl":956,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":952},"3XB1tBdOI2viPdeQesP7OD","Cleveland Clinic ",2022,"Pinguecula: What it is, symptoms, causes & treatment. ","https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23443-pinguecula",{"__typename":744,"sys":958,"title":960,"theme":961,"expandFirstRow":18,"accordionEntriesCollection":962},{"id":959},"77VyltpJ9n1S6gJDI36F9R","Could it be something else? ","Grey",{"items":963},[964,979,1011,1037],{"__typename":751,"sys":965,"panel":967,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":978},{"id":966},"5KXgyvOkJtQGUVEgiBm3Hu",{"json":968},{"nodeType":165,"data":969,"content":970},{},[971],{"nodeType":164,"data":972,"content":973},{},[974],{"nodeType":155,"value":975,"marks":976,"data":977},"A pterygium is a fleshy growth that can start as a pinguecula but grows onto the cornea, potentially affecting vision. ",[],{},"Pterygium (Surfer's Eye)",{"__typename":751,"sys":980,"panel":982,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1010},{"id":981},"3OR4jTdtiw0Vw6rBozF2HR",{"json":983},{"nodeType":165,"data":984,"content":985},{},[986,993],{"nodeType":164,"data":987,"content":988},{},[989],{"nodeType":155,"value":990,"marks":991,"data":992},"This infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva causes redness, irritation, and discharge, which can be confused with an inflamed pinguecula. ",[],{},{"nodeType":164,"data":994,"content":995},{},[996,999,1007],{"nodeType":155,"value":445,"marks":997,"data":998},[],{},{"nodeType":308,"data":1000,"content":1002},{"uri":1001},"/eye-health/eye-conditions/conjunctivitis",[1003],{"nodeType":155,"value":1004,"marks":1005,"data":1006},"conjunctivitis (pink eye) ",[],{},{"nodeType":155,"value":206,"marks":1008,"data":1009},[],{},"Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)",{"__typename":751,"sys":1012,"panel":1014,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1036},{"id":1013},"4WI7mWSEsed2wxo77uCmzC",{"json":1015},{"nodeType":165,"data":1016,"content":1017},{},[1018],{"nodeType":164,"data":1019,"content":1020},{},[1021,1025,1033],{"nodeType":155,"value":1022,"marks":1023,"data":1024},"A stye is a small, painful lump on the edge of the eyelid, not on the eyeball itself, but it can cause general eye irritation \n \nLearn more about",[],{},{"nodeType":308,"data":1026,"content":1028},{"uri":1027},"https://www.specsavers.co.nz/eye-health/eye-conditions/eye-stye",[1029],{"nodeType":155,"value":1030,"marks":1031,"data":1032}," styes ",[],{},{"nodeType":155,"value":206,"marks":1034,"data":1035},[],{},"Stye",{"__typename":751,"sys":1038,"panel":1040,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1051},{"id":1039},"5Fs6x5tn8vbYhUciDvqw2C",{"json":1041},{"data":1042,"content":1043,"nodeType":165},{},[1044],{"data":1045,"content":1046,"nodeType":164},{},[1047],{"data":1048,"marks":1049,"value":1050,"nodeType":155},{},[],"A scratch on the cornea can cause a feeling of something in the eye, redness, and watering, similar to an irritated pinguecula. \n ","Corneal Abrasion",{"__typename":1053,"sys":1054,"title":1056,"body":17,"backgroundTheme":747,"actionCardEntriesCollection":1057},"ActionCardBanner",{"id":1055},"4B1jbqghJNAiamx8wh5lYr","Find out more",{"items":1058},[1059,1067,1075],{"title":1060,"body":1061,"imageAltText":1062,"linkText":1063,"linkUrl":1064,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18,"image":1065},"Why do I need an eye test?","Eye tests play a huge part in making sure your eyes stay healthy.","A man undergoes an eye exam, looking into a slit lamp while an eye care professional examines his eye.","Check your vision","/eye-tests/do-i-need-an-eye-test",{"url":1066},"https://images.ctfassets.net/uuaxywrybmpn/0m0X2zxvzwmGgSdaLmKjr/22b1fcb2cff0c095c09f43cb83998189/eye-health_eyetest-banner-545x273.webp",{"title":1068,"body":1069,"imageAltText":1070,"linkText":1071,"linkUrl":1072,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18,"image":1073},"Your store visit explained","At Specsavers we are focused on caring for your eyes and giving you the best possible vision.","A optometrist operates an eye examination machine while an older man sits in front of it.","What to expect in-store","/eye-tests/your-store-visit-explained",{"url":1074},"https://images.ctfassets.net/uuaxywrybmpn/6QwhITwthLzuD6pL1VvWJi/ffd60b36927947fd2f69c9b209caa785/eye-health_storevisit-banner-545x273.webp",{"title":1076,"body":1077,"imageAltText":1078,"linkText":1079,"linkUrl":1080,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":18,"image":1081},"More on eye tests","An eye test is not just about getting glasses – it is a vital health check for your eyes.","A friendly optometrist giving advice to a patient in the test room.","All about eye tests","/eye-tests",{"url":1082},"https://images.ctfassets.net/uuaxywrybmpn/5klEt6jTY53XMRkReMeHt9/47f0f0e423a6f56d34cbcf07210ee0b1/eye-health_eyetestinfo-banner-545x273.webp",{"__typename":902,"sys":1084,"title":1086,"theme":961,"listType":1087,"expandAccordion":18,"accordionEntriesCollection":1088},{"id":1085},"3BvnafBbHG7FFQlCN4OxeH","Terms & Conditions","Bullet",{"items":1089},[1090],{"__typename":1091,"body":1092},"TermsAndConditions",{"json":1093},{"data":1094,"content":1095,"nodeType":165},{},[1096],{"data":1097,"content":1098,"nodeType":164},{},[1099],{"data":1100,"marks":1101,"value":1102,"nodeType":155},{},[],"Free exam for AA Members applies to standard eye examinations only, normally valued at $60. Excludes contact lens examination and visual field checks. Limited to one per AA Member every two years. Available to current AA Members upon presentation of AA Membership card.",[17,17,17],1781060971182]