A common type of conjunctival degeneration in the eye.Encyclopedia Entry for Pinguecula :Pinguecula. The exact cause is unknown. Long-term sunlight exposure and eye irritation may be factors. Arc-welding is a major job-related risk.A pingueculum looks like a small, yellowish bump on the conjunctiva near the cornea. It can appear on either side of the cornea. However, it more often occurs on the nose (nasal) side. The growth may increase in size over many years.An eye exam is often enough to diagnose this disorder.The only treatment needed in most cases is eye drops. Keeping the eye moist with artificial tears may help prevent the area from becoming inflamed. Temporary use of mild steroid eye drops can also be helpful. Rarely, the growth may need to be removed for comfort or for cosmetic reasons.This condition is noncancerous ( benign ) and the outlook is good.The pingueculum may grow over the cornea and block vision. When this happens, the growth is called a pterygium. These two conditions occur under similar conditions. However, they are thought to be separate diseases.Call your health care provider if the pingueculum changes in size, shape, or color, or if you would like to have it removed.Things you can do that may help prevent a pingueculum or keep the problem from getting worse include: Keeping the eye well lubricated Wearing good quality sunglasses Avoiding eye irritants.Eye anatomy Eye anatomy.Shtein RM, Sugar A. Pterygium and conjunctival degenerations.