Date of last review: Due to be updated

Differential diagnosis

  • Pterygium
  • Conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
  • Dermoid cyst
  • Epithelial retention cyst (thin-walled lesion containing clear fluid)
  • Episcleritis
  • Conjunctivitis

Possible management by Optometrist

Treatment

  • Cold compresses when inflamed
  • Ocular lubricants for symptomatic relief (drops for use during the day, unmedicated ointment for use at bedtime)
  • PoM Pingueculitis usually responds to a brief course of a ‘non-penetrating’ topical steroid
    • Fluorometholone 0.1% eye drops 4x daily (reduce by 1 drop a week to zero)

Advice

  • Reassure patient about benign nature of the lesion
  • Advise on UV protection to minimise risk of inflammation
    • Brimmed hat
    • Sunglasses in wrap-around style for side protection

Management Category

  • Normally no referral

Possible management by Ophthalmologist

  • Excision is very rarely warranted