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Yellow bump on the white of your eye

A small raised yellowish-white spot on the white of the eye is often a pinguecula: a benign change in the conjunctiva, the thin covering over the white of the eye, associated with factors such as sun, wind and dryness. The spot usually does not grow over the cornea and often needs no treatment. Pain, light sensitivity, poorer vision, an injury or a suddenly very red eye does not fit an uninflamed pinguecula and needs prompt assessment.

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  • A yellowish-white bump close to the cornea is often a pinguecula, a benign change in the surface conjunctiva.
  • Long-term exposure to UV radiation, wind, dust and dry air probably plays a part. On Curaçao, daily sun and strong air conditioning are relevant irritants.
  • An uninflamed pinguecula usually does not damage vision and does not need removal.
  • When the spot is irritated, redness, dryness, watering and a gritty feeling may occur. Steroid eye drops are not a self-care treatment and should be used only after an eye examination.
  • Severe pain, light sensitivity, suddenly reduced vision, an abnormal pupil or recent injury needs assessment for another, potentially serious cause.

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Further reading

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E
EpiscleritisEpiscleritis is usually mild inflammation of the thin tissue between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye. It often causes a sudden local red patch, irritation and mild tenderness without reduced vision. A red eye with severe deep pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, contact-lens use or injury needs prompt assessment because a more serious cause may be present.
R
Red patch on the white of the eye from a broken blood vesselA clearly defined red patch on the white of the eye is often a subconjunctival haemorrhage. It is usually painless, does not affect vision and clears up on its own. Pain, sensitivity to light, reduced vision, injury or bleeding elsewhere are not typical of a harmless patch.
P
PterygiumA pterygium is a benign triangular growth of conjunctiva over the cornea. Sunlight, wind, dust and dryness play a part, making it more common in tropical climates. Artificial tears and protection can reduce irritation; growth towards the pupil, changes in vision or persistent discomfort require assessment by an ophthalmologist.