Condition

Pinguecula

Also known as Yellow Eye Bump, Conjunctival Pinguecula, Pingueculae, Pingueculitis, Sun-Related Eye Bump

Updated May 16, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

A pinguecula is a yellow raised spot on the white of the eye near the cornea. It is usually harmless, but it can get red and irritated.

Pinguecula is a common, non-cancerous change in the conjunctiva, the clear skin over the white of the eye. It looks like a yellow-white bump near the cornea 1.

Sun, wind, dust, and long outdoor work are linked with pinguecula and pterygium. Eye protection can lower irritation and may reduce new damage 2.

Most pingueculae need only lubricating drops and sun protection. Inflamed pinguecula can be treated with short anti-inflammatory care from an eye doctor 3.

Symptoms

Many pingueculae cause no symptoms. People often notice the spot in a mirror.

  • Yellow raised bump. It sits on the white of the eye near the cornea.
  • Gritty feeling. It can feel like dust is in the eye.
  • Redness. The spot may flare after sun, wind, or dry air.
  • Dryness or tearing. Either can happen during irritation.
  • No major vision change. A pinguecula stays off the clear cornea, so it usually does not blur vision.

A dark, bleeding, or fast-growing spot should be checked by a specialist.

Causes and Risk

Pinguecula is linked with long-term surface exposure.

  • UV light. Sun exposure is a major risk.
  • Wind and dust. These can irritate the eye surface.
  • Outdoor work or sports. Motorcycle riding, farming, fishing, sailing, and construction can raise exposure.
  • Age. Pinguecula becomes more common with age.
  • Dry eye. Dryness can make the bump feel worse.

In the Blue Mountains Eye Study, pinguecula was common in adults age 49 and older 4.

Treatment

Most pingueculae do not need surgery. Treatment focuses on comfort and protection.

  • Lubricating drops. These help grittiness and dryness.
  • Cold compresses. These can calm a red flare.
  • Short anti-inflammatory treatment. An eye doctor may prescribe this for pingueculitis.
  • Sun and wind protection. Wraparound sunglasses and a hat can reduce irritation.
  • Surgery. Removal is uncommon and is usually for severe irritation or appearance concerns.

A randomized trial studied anti-inflammatory drops for inflamed pterygium and pinguecula 3.

Pinguecula vs. Pterygium

Pinguecula and pterygium are related surface changes, but they are not the same.

  • Pinguecula. This is a yellow raised spot on the white of the eye. It does not grow onto the cornea.
  • Pterygium. This is fleshy tissue that crosses onto the cornea. A large pterygium can change vision.

The key difference is cornea growth. Tissue on the cornea should be checked for pterygium.

Common Questions About Pinguecula

No. A typical pinguecula is non-cancerous. A dark, bleeding, or fast-growing eye spot should still be checked by a specialist.

Next Steps

  1. 1Wear UV-blocking wraparound sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
  2. 2Use lubricating eye drops for gritty feeling, dryness, or mild redness.
  3. 3Book an eye exam if a yellow bump is new, irritated, or growing.
  4. 4Avoid smoke, dust, and strong wind when you can.
  5. 5Seek same-day urgent eye care for contact lens pain, severe pain, or sudden vision change.
  6. 6See a cornea or ocular oncology specialist within a week for a dark, bleeding, or fast-growing eye lesion.

Find specialists for Pinguecula

Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Pinguecula.

Browse Cornea and External Disease specialists

Also relevant

Comprehensive