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Growths and bumps on the whites of the eyes – Usually your optometrist will find a pinguecula

A sudden rush to the optometrist is often precipitated by awareness of a new lump that appears to have grown overnight on the white of the eye. Sometimes a person will notice by looking in a mirror, or a family member will comment on new growth they see. Sometimes cancer causes growths to appear on the white of the eye, but this is quite rare. The bump is most likely in the conjunctiva, the transparent tissue that overlaps the white part of the eye known as the sclera. Usually this type of growth is benign and very slow growing, and is usually diagnosed as pinguecula. The appearance often has a slightly yellow tint, but can be a translucent white color. When slightly irritated, blood vessels increase their visibility. Many new contact lens wearers spend more time than ever before examining their eyes closely in a mirror while learning how to handle contact lenses for the first few weeks. This is a common cause for first noticing growth that has probably been around for several years.

Pinguecula is caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and low-level irritation, such as dust and particles. People who spend a lot of time outdoors are at higher risk, especially near the equator. Sunshine from snow and water creates more UV exposure, as most people have learned from sunburn. If you damage your skin, the same process occurs in the conjunctiva, only faster. Connective tissue lacks the protective layer of keratin that the skin has. It also does not form a protective accumulation of pigment from exposure to sunlight (the conjunctiva does not tan). Higher altitudes equate to less atmosphere to filter ultraviolet radiation and subsequently more doses to the eye. Ultraviolet radiation works to degrade the structural structure of tissue, including elastic proteins and collagen. For many years, growth develops slowly. By the time people are between the ages of 75 and 80, most will have some sign of growth, even if it doesn’t show in the mirror.

The biggest concern is a serious eye problem, and any growth in the eye requires a visit to the eye doctor for a proper diagnosis. Prevention is the second thing to think about once you have been diagnosed as a pinguecula. UV protection is of the utmost importance. When you think of sunscreen, think of sunscreen for your eyes. Quality sunglasses can eliminate almost all UV radiation from a frontal direction. Up to 40% can still fit through the sides, which is why many people choose frames that wrap around the face or have large sideburns. Lenses that lighten and darken automatically also block almost all frontal UV rays. Hats with eyebrows reduce the amount of sunlight. The recommendations for sun exposure are similar to those recommended for avoiding skin cancer. Avoid being outdoors between 11 am and 3 pm. Mornings and late afternoons provide longer paths for the sun to travel and subsequently filter more UV rays. Motorcycle users are at risk from both sunlight and flying particles and should wear specially designed frames that wrap and seal on the face. Give your children an early dose of prevention by having them wear sunglasses from an early age. A note of caution for sunglasses: make sure they are of high quality and not a $ 5.00 knockoff. Sunglasses allow the eye to dilate and if there is not adequate UV protection, the exposure will be greater than it would be without the sun. Since visible violet and blue light can be harmful to the inside of the eye, you should also avoid blue and purple sunglasses.

Occasionally, the pinguecula becomes very red and inflamed. This is not an infection and can be treated if necessary with prescription eye drops. Remember, you only have two eyes and you should do everything you can to make sure they stay healthy, including having your optometrist check for any new appearance of a growth.

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