Pinguecula
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Pinguecula | |
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pinguecula | |
Specialty | Ophthalmology |
A pinguecula is a common type of conjunctival stromal degeneration in the eye. It appears as an elevated yellow-white plaque in the bulbar conjunctiva near the limbus.[1] Calcification may also seen occasionally.[1]
Etiology
The exact etiology is unknown, but it may be associated with aging and excessive exposure to UV light.[2]
Signs and symptoms
It is seen as a yellow-white deposit on the
Histologically, there is degeneration of the collagen fibers of the conjunctival stroma with thinning of the overlying epithelium and occasionally calcification.[3] Actinic exposure of the thin conjunctival tissue is thought to cause fibroblasts to produce more elastin fibers, which are more twisted than normal elastin fibers and may lead to the degradation of the collagen fibers.[4] Alternatively, it has been postulated that the sub-epithelial collagen fibers undergo degradation and assume the qualities of elastic tissue while fragmenting and twisting in a different configuration from their normal state.[5]
It is thought that the high reflectivity of the solid white scleral tissue underlying the conjunctival tissue may result in additional UV exposure to the back side of the tissue.[6] The side of the nose also reflects sunlight on to the conjunctiva. As a result, pingueculae tend to occur more often on the nasal side of the eye. While most pingueculae are found in people over the age of 40, they are not uncommon in 20- and 30-year-old adults who spend significant time in the sun.
The surface of the conjunctival tissue overlying a pinguecula interferes with the normal spreading of the tear film. The tear ferning test reveals abnormalities of the mucous component of the tear film, making it useful as a predictor of a person's tolerance of hydrophilic soft contact lenses.[7] Contact lens intolerance can also result from the elevation of the peripheral edge of the contact lens if it overlies a pinguecula.
The plural form of pinguecula is pingueculae. Pinguecula is derived from the Latin word "pinguis" for fat or grease.[8]
Associated conditions
A pinguecula is one of the differential diagnoses for a limbal nodule. It may have an increased prevalence in Gaucher's disease.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pinguecula is usually done by an eye care professional during routine eye examination using slit lamp. Conjunctival biopsy may be advised if malignancy is suspected.[9]
Treatment
Pingueculae may enlarge slowly over time, but it is a benign condition, usually requiring no treatment.
See also
- Peripheral light focusing
- Pterygium (conjunctiva)
References
- ^ OCLC 1131846767.
- OCLC 1051774434.
- ^ ISBN 9780702055744.
- ISBN 978-0-7020-3485-5.
- ISBN 978-1-56055-814-9.
- ^ Kisling, David (2010-06-26). "Eye Growth & Bumps Often Pinguecula". Retrieved 2018-02-21.
- S2CID 9448528.
- ^ "pingu-, pingue-, pingui-". English-Word Information. Senior Scribe Publications. Retrieved 2018-02-21.
- ^ a b c "Pinguecula - EyeWiki". eyewiki.aao.org.