Will my pinguecula harm my transplanted cornea?
AUG 30, 2015
Answer:
A pinguecula (also known as surfer’s eye) is a benign (harmless), yellowish growth on the conjunctiva (white of the eye) thought to be due to ultraviolet light (sun) exposure or environmental irritants, like wind or dust. It can occasionally become inflamed and cause redness and irritation. Pingueculae also rarely progress into pterygia. A pterygium is a similar growth that can grow onto the corneal surface, even past the edge of a corneal transplant. While a pterygium doesn’t alter the health of the transplant, it can induce astigmatism or progress far enough to cover the visual axis and affect the vision. Surgery in those cases may be needed.