2. Objective
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To have a better understanding about
pinguecula with regard to its
pathophysiology, clinical manifestation,
management and prevention.
3. Contents
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1. Overview of pinguecula
2. Pathophysiology
3. Etiology
4. Clinical features and differential diagnosis
5. Treatment
6. Possible complication
7. Culprit in CL practice
8. Prevention
9. Conclusion
10. References
4. Introduction
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Common degenerative condition of the
conjunctiva.
Yellowish white patch on the bulbar
conjunctiva.
Derived from pinguis (meaning fat )
Considered a precursor of pterygium
6. Characteristics
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Presents as yellowish white patch near limbus.
Usually affects the nasal side first and then the
temporal side.
When conjunctiva is congested, it stands out
as an avascular prominence.
Calcification occurs occasionally.
Remain stationary or may enlarge gradually
over long periods of time.
8. Epidemiology
Male: female= 2:1
Most common over the age of 40
But may occur in 20 and 30 years old adults
who spend significant time in the sun.
May have an increased prevalence
in Gaucher's disease.
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9. Pathology
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Elastotic degenerationo f collagen fibres of the
substantia propria of conjunctiva
Plus deposition of amorphous hyaline material
in the substance of conjunctiva.
Histologically it shows degeneration of the
collagen fibers of the conjunctiva stroma with
thinning of the overlying epithelium and
occasional calcification
13. Contd...
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Figure : The UV radiation affects the temporal
area and travels through the cornea to the
nasal area, where the UV power increases up
to 20 times more.
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Signs
Appearance of yellow-white, amorphous
subepithelial deposits epithelium.
Appear adjacent to the limbus in the
interpalpebral zone, more often nasally.
Conjunctiva overlying a pinguecula may be
normal, thick, or thin.
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Excision indicated when pinguecula
Cause cosmetic problems
become chronically
inflamed(pingueculitis)
interfere with successful
contact lens wear.
Contd..
23. Contd...
In a study (July 2013) removal of pingueculae
with a laser vs. traditional surgical excision
was compared.
Researchers found
Eyes treated with argon laser
photocoagulation- (90.5 %) complete removal
of pingueculae
Eyes treated with traditional surgical excision -
(63.9 %) complete removal
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Weaktopical steroids
Judicious use of weak topical steroids may be
considered in patients with chronic
inflammation.
Eg. Gtt. Fluorometholone tds reducing over 3
weeks.
But they are strongly discouraged as a chronic
therapy due to their side effects
Contd..
26. Prognosis
Visual and cosmetic prognosis is good.
Vision is not affected.
No systemic and genetic association noted.
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27. The culprit in CL practise
A common scleral obstrucle in CL practise.
Small pinguecula doesnt cause problem.
However larger can cause decentration of
contact lens.
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28. Contd
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The firm nature of scleral GPs can cause
patients significant irritation if the lens edge
bumps into the pinguecula, or their rigidness
will prevent an acceptable fit if an elevated
pinguecula lies beneath the haptic.
In such cases, we consider a corneal GP, soft
specialty design, or hybrid design.
Alternatively, a notch can be beveled out of a
scleral lens, which will allow it to bypass the
pinguecula.
31. Conclusion
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Pingucula is a common disease.
Lubrication is the mainstray treatment.
Most cases can be managed by optometrist.
Some special attention may be required in
contact lens practise.
32. Reference
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Books andjournals
American Academy of Ophthalmology, External DiseaseandCornea
,Section 8 (2011-2012), 12: 331-332
Kamel S. Thepterygium: its etiologyandtreatment. Am J Ophthalmology,
1954;152(5):733-8
Kanski Jack J, Clinical Ophthalmology- Asystemic approach, 6th Ed,
Butterworth Heineman Elsevier. 8: 242
Jackson Timothy L, MoorfieldMannual of Ophthalmology, Mosby Elsevier,
4:137
Websites:
http://pterigion.net/2012/09/03/pterygium-what-is-it-how-is-it-treated/
retrieved on 1/2/2015
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/pinguecula/overview.html
retrieved on 1/2/2015
http://www.clspectrum.com/articleviewer.aspx?articleID=107286 retrieved
on 1/2/2105
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinguecula retrieved on 1/2/2105
34. Questions?
What are the causes of pinguecula?
Why is the prevelance of pinguecula more in
male?
What is the optometric management of
pinguecula?
What are the indication for pinguecula
excision?
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