A pinguecula is a small yellowish spot or bump on the white of the eye, usually on the side nearest the nose. A pterygium is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth that slowly extends from the white of the eye onto the clear front surface (the cornea).
Both are linked to years of sunlight, wind and dust, which is why they are common in South Africa and in people who work or play outdoors.
They can make the eye look red and feel irritated or dry, and some people do not like how they look. Most cause no problems with vision.
Lubricating drops ease the irritation, and good sunglasses and a hat help slow further growth. We monitor them at your eye examinations. If a pterygium starts to affect your vision or comfort, we refer you to an ophthalmologist, who can remove it. Our article on protecting your eyes from the sun has more about UV protection.