Pingueculae and pterygia

Pingueculae and pterygia are benign peribulbar lesions composed of degenerated basophilic subepithelial tissue. Pingueculae do not affect vision, and minor irritation can usually be managed with artificial tears. Pterygia may affect the visual axis and require surgical and adjunctive treatment. The various therapeutic strategies are reviewed. A conservative approach is advocated, as surgical removal of primary pterygia may result in recurrent ptergyia that are more difficult to manage than the primary lesions.