10/21/2025
Coastal Corner: Whatâs the Yellow Spot on Your Eye?
If youâve ever glanced in the mirror and noticed a strange yellow or red spot on the white part of your eye, youâre not alone. Patients often ask about this, and while it may look alarming, chances are itâs something called a pingueculaâa common, harmless growth that shows up on the surface of the eye.
Letâs break down what a pinguecula is, why it happens, and what you can do to manage it.
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What is a Pinguecula?
A pinguecula (pronounced pin-GWEK-yoo-luh) is a small, yellowish growth that forms on the conjunctivaâthe thin, clear tissue covering the white part of your eye (sclera). Itâs often found on the side of the eye closest to your nose, though it can sometimes appear on the outer side near your ear.
Despite being labeled as a âgrowth,â itâs benign and non-cancerous. Think of it as a callus on your eye. It doesnât spread but can become irritated or inflamed, which leads to redness and discomfort.
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What Causes a Pinguecula?
The biggest culprit? UV exposure. This is why pinguecula is sometimes called âsurferâs eye.â Surfers are frequently exposed to intense sunlight and UV rays reflected off the water, which increases the risk of developing this growth.
But you donât have to be a surfer to get one. Other common factors include:
Dry, dusty environments â Farmers, construction workers, or anyone who spends long hours outdoors are at higher risk.
Wind exposure â Bikers or anyone exposed to wind can develop irritation that leads to a pinguecula.
Dry eyes â Chronic dry eye can contribute to the formation of pinguecula by reducing the eyeâs natural defense against environmental stressors.
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Is a Pinguecula Dangerous?
In most cases, no. Pinguecula is usually just a cosmetic issue. It may cause mild irritation, redness, or dryness, but it wonât affect your vision or lead to serious eye conditions.
However, there are a few scenarios to watch for:
Pingueculitis â This is when the pinguecula becomes inflamed, causing noticeable redness and discomfort.
Pterygium â If the pinguecula grows and starts to extend over the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), it becomes a pterygium. This can affect your vision if it grows large enough to cover the pupil.
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How to Manage or Prevent a Pinguecula
While you canât always prevent a pinguecula, you can take steps to limit its growth and reduce irritation.
Wear Sunglasses
The best way to prevent a pinguecula from worsening is to protect your eyes from UV exposure. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound sunglasses offer even better protection by shielding your eyes from the sides.
Use Artificial Tears
If dry eyes are contributing to the problem, lubricating eye drops can help keep the eyes moist and reduce irritation. For those in dry or dusty environments, using artificial tears several times a day can make a noticeable difference.
Shield Your Eyes from Dust and Wind
Wear protective eyewear if you work outdoors, especially in dusty or windy environments. Goggles or sunglasses with side shields are a great option to minimize exposure.
Consider UV-Protective Lenses
If you wear prescription glasses, ask your eye doctor about photochromic lenses (like Transitions) that darken in sunlight. This provides UV protection even when youâre not wearing sunglasses.
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Treatment for Inflamed Pinguecula (Pingueculitis)
If your pinguecula becomes inflamed or irritated:
Steroid eye drops or anti-inflammatory drops can help reduce redness and discomfort.
Artificial tear gels provide longer-lasting moisture, especially helpful at night or in dry conditions.
Pingueculitis usually resolves on its own, but if the irritation persists or worsens, itâs a good idea to schedule an eye exam.
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When to See Your Eye Doctor
While most pinguecula are harmless, see your eye doctor if you notice:
A rapid increase in the size of the growth
Persistent redness or irritation that doesnât improve with eye drops
Changes in vision or the feeling that the growth is encroaching on your pupil
Itâs always better to have any unusual eye growth examined to rule out more serious conditions.
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Final Thoughts
A pinguecula may look strange, but in most cases, itâs nothing to worry about. With good UV protection, regular use of eye drops, and routine eye exams, you can keep your eyes healthy and minimize irritation.
If youâve noticed a yellow spot or irritation in your eyes, schedule a check-up to confirm the diagnosis and ensure your eyes stay in great shape. Your vision is too important to ignore.
Cheers.
Dr. Beach
