Pinguecula: Yellow Bump on the White of the Eye Explained
Quick answer: A pinguecula is a small, yellowish, slightly raised patch on the white of the eye, usually beside the cornea. It is a harmless change in the conjunctiva caused mainly by UV light, wind and dust. Most need no treatment beyond lubricating drops and UV-blocking sunglasses; an inflamed pinguecula (pingueculitis) may need anti-inflammatory drops from an eye doctor.
Noticed this in your own eyes? Book an eye examination (NPR 400) with an optometrist at Vision Concern Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal or Makalbari. WhatsApp +977 9841466716.
Related service: UV-protection glasses and sunglasses at Vision Concern Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal and Makalbari.
What a pinguecula is
A pinguecula forms when the conjunctiva, the thin clear layer over the white of the eye, develops deposits of protein, fat or calcium. It is common in adults who spend time outdoors and becomes more common with age. Unlike a pterygium, it does not grow onto the cornea.
Symptoms
- A yellow or white bump, usually on the nose side
- Dryness or a gritty feeling
- Redness when it becomes inflamed
- Discomfort with contact lenses
Managing a pinguecula
- Wear UV400 sunglasses outdoors
- Use preservative-free lubricating drops for dryness
- Reduce exposure to wind and dust
- Have it checked if it changes in size, colour or shape
When to get urgent care
Seek prompt assessment if the spot grows, changes colour, bleeds, or you develop pain, light sensitivity or reduced vision.
How Vision Concern can help
Vision Concern optometrists in Kathmandu can examine your eyes, record what they find for comparison, update your glasses or contact lenses, and refer you to an ophthalmologist or eye hospital when medical treatment is needed. Vision Concern does not perform surgery or injections.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pinguecula dangerous?
No. It is a benign change, but any changing spot on the eye should be checked.
Can I wear contact lenses with a pinguecula?
Often yes, but lens edges can irritate it. An optometrist can check the fit and suggest suitable lenses.
Does a pinguecula go away?
It usually stays, but symptoms often settle with drops and UV protection.
This guide is general information from the Vision Concern editorial team. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an eye examination or medical advice.
Yes. Many visitors, particularly from Bangladesh and West Bengal (Kolkata), come to Nepal for cataract, retina, or other eye surgery at a hospital and also want new glasses, a general eye exam, or contact lenses at the same time, before or after their procedure. Vision Concern is an optical and eye-examination clinic, not a surgical hospital, so we work alongside hospitals such as Tilganga: we are happy to see you for glasses, contact lenses, or a routine check-up either side of your surgical treatment elsewhere.
No conversion is needed. Eyeglass prescriptions from Germany, France, the UK, the USA, China, Russia, and almost every other country use the same international format, SPH (sphere), CYL (cylinder), and AXIS, measured in diopters. Our opticians read this directly, so you can bring your prescription paper, a photo of it on your phone, or simply your current glasses, and we will use the same values. If your prescription is more than a year or two old, we recommend a quick, free re-check before we make your new pair.
Yes. Above roughly 3,000 metres, UV exposure increases sharply because of the thinner atmosphere and reflection off snow, and ordinary sunglasses (category 2-3) do not block enough UV to prevent snow blindness (photokeratitis). We recommend glacier glasses or category-4 sunglasses with side shields, and can fit these with your own prescription if needed. Vision Concern offers ZEISS polarized, UV400-certified sunglasses with prescription lenses, which we can prepare before you set off on your trek.