Pinguecula

A 36-year-old woman was concerned about the diffuse yellow pigment at the temporal aspect of the conjunctiva of her right eye. This is a pinguecula. It is considered an elastotic degeneration of the substantia propria and may be associated with exposure to ultraviolet light, dry climates, and dust.¹ This disorder usually occurs in aged persons. The lesion is often located on the nasal side of the conjunctiva. When a pinguecula advances from the conjunctiva onto the cornea, it becomes a pterygium. However, not all pterygiums originate from pingueculae. Pingueculae are asymptomatic. They require treatment with a short course of topical corticosteroids only if inflamed.