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Health Topics/Eye and Vision/Eye Conditions

What are pterygium and pinguecula?

American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart
American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart

Pterygium (pronounced tur-IJ-ee-um) and pinguecula (pronounced pin-GWEK-yoo-la) are growths on the cornea (the clear front window of the eye) and the conjunctiva — the thin, filmy membrane that covers the white part of your eye (sclera).

Both types of growths are believed to be caused by dry eye and environmental elements such as wind, dust and ultraviolet (UV) light.

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