Pinguecula

As pinguecula (Latin pinguis = bold, macula = spot, w, plural " pingueculae " even Pingueculum, n, plural " pinguecula " ) is referred to in ophthalmology a frequently occurring, harmless degeneration of the conjunctiva, the white yellowish as flat raised, spot in the palpebral fissure is visible on the first nasal limbus usually.

Pingueculae are usually present on both sides, but may be asymmetrical pronounced. Histologically, an impoverished mucosal epithelium and located including fragments of collagen fibers and amorphous material.

In severe cases, several millimeters wide can pingueculae both nasal and temporal present of the cornea, which project more than a millimeter and the surface is covered with calcifications. Then they can also cause symptoms such as foreign body sensation and redness in the eye.

When originating cause is suspected along with heredity the influence of UV radiation from the sun, as pingueculae seem like pterygia occur more frequently in people who are exposed to intense sunlight.

Pingueculae are not treated. The disorder of the tear film is softened with viscous tear substitutes. In severe cases, surgical removal is feasible.

• Disease in ophthalmology