pterygium

noun. a growth of fleshy tissue (has blood vessels) that may start as a pinguecula. It can remain small or grow large enough to cover part of the cornea. When this happens, it can affect your vision.

lf you have had a pinguecula or a pterygium at least once before, try to avoid the things that cause these growths. Here are some ways:

• wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light

• protect your eyes from dust by wearing glasses or goggles

Symptoms of pinguecula and pterygium can range from mild to severe. They include:

• redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, mostly while the pterygium grows

• a yellow spot or bump on the white of your eye

• dry, itchy, burning eyes. Or feeling like sand or grit is stuck in your eye

• blurry vision