What Is the Difference Between Pterygium and Pinguecula?

Pinguecula (left) is accumulation of conjunctival tissue at the nasal or temporal junction of the sclera and cornea. Pterygium (right) is conjunctival tissue that becomes vascularized, invades the cornea, and may decrease vision.

Can a pinguecula turn into a pterygium?

Just like a pterygium, a pinguecula can cause irritation, as well as difficulty wearing contact lenses. However, a pinguecula cannot grow across the cornea, and therefore will not affect vision. In some cases though, a pinguecula can become a pterygium, involving the cornea.

Can you go blind from pterygium?

How serious is it? A pterygium can lead to severe scarring on your cornea, but this is rare. Scarring on the cornea needs to be treated because it can cause vision loss. For minor cases, treatment usually involves eye drops or ointment to treat inflammation.