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Ocular Lesions (Pinguecula, Pterygium/Pterygium Excision) in Napa, CA

What Are Ocular Lesions?

Pinguecula are raised, yellowish areas that form on the white part of the eye. Prolonged UV exposure is linked to the development of these conditions. Pterygium is a growth on the white part of the eye that invades the cornea. Common symptoms of pterygium include redness or swelling. Advanced signs of this condition include blurred vision. No matter what ocular lesion you are suffering from, our team at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley is here to help create a custom treatment plan. If you think you may have an ocular lesion, give our Napa, CA office a call and we will schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified ophthalmologists.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Ocular Lesions?

The symptoms of an ocular lesion will vary depending on the type of lesion. A few of the most common signs an ocular lesion is present include:

The feeling of something being trapped in the eye
Pain and swelling of the eye
Redness in the infection site
A film covering the eye (in advanced cases)
Vision changes

The signs and symptoms of ocular lesions can appear suddenly or they can develop over a period of time.

What Causes Ocular Lesions?

Ocular lesions can arise from a variety of underlying causes, each affecting the eye differently. Common factors include infections, such as viral, bacterial, or fungal agents, which can lead to inflammation and tissue damage. Autoimmune diseases like lupus or multiple sclerosis may also contribute to the development of ocular lesions by causing the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack its own tissues. Additionally, trauma to the eye, exposure to harmful substances, or even certain systemic conditions like diabetes can result in lesions. Tumors, whether benign or malignant, can form in or around the eye, further complicating the clinical picture. Understanding the specific cause of ocular lesions is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and management strategies.

What Are the Risk Factors of Ocular Lesions?

The primary risk factors for ocular lesions include age, as older individuals are more likely to develop conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. A family history of eye diseases can also increase the risk, as genetic predispositions play a role in the development of ocular lesions. Additionally, underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune disorders can contribute to the formation of eye lesions. Lifestyle factors, including smoking, excessive UV light exposure, and poor nutrition, can further elevate the risk. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of ocular lesions, especially for those with these risk factors.

How Are Ocular Lesions Diagnosed?

Ocular lesions are often diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam performed by our experienced ophthalmologists at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley. Depending on the type and severity of the lesion, treatment can range from lubricating eye drops, anti-inflammatory drops, or surgical intervention. Early detection is crucial, and our team is dedicated to creating custom treatment plans to ensure optimal eye health. If you suspect you may have an ocular lesion, contact our Napa, CA clinic for an appointment.

What Can I Expect from Ocular Lesion Treatment?

If you notice an abnormal growth in your eye, you may have an ocular lesion. It is best to treat these lesions as soon as possible, and our team at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley is here to help. Upon arrival for your appointment, we will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine what type of lesion you may have. From there, we will create a treatment plan.

Pinguecula: Depending on the severity of your pinguecula, we may prescribe a lubricating eye drop to help relieve dryness in your eye. If you have a more severe form, we may suggest a steroid or anti-inflammatory eye drop to reduce swelling. In some cases, we may need to surgically remove the lesion.

Pterygium: As with pinguecula, we can typically address this condition with lubricating, steroid, and/or anti-inflammatory eye drops. While it is often not necessary, surgery may be performed to remove this lesion as well. Once one of our board-certified doctors has developed a treatment plan, they will give you specific care instructions and may schedule follow-up visits at our Napa, CA office to check in on your lesion and ensure you are healing properly.

What to Expect After Treating Ocular Lesions

After treatment for an ocular lesion, it’s important to follow the care instructions provided by your board-certified ophthalmologist to ensure proper healing. If you’ve undergone surgery, you may experience mild discomfort, redness, or sensitivity to light, which can typically be managed with prescribed eye drops or medications. Avoid rubbing your eyes and follow any activity restrictions, such as refraining from strenuous physical activities, to reduce the risk of complications. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure the lesion has been successfully treated.

Ocular Lesions FAQ

What do lesions on the eye look like?
A lesion will usually look white and be an irregular shape but may not be noticed unless it appears white against an iris. You may also experience redness around the area.

How is an ocular lesion treated?
Lesions of the eye may be treated with steroids or lubricating eye drops. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. For additional information on the different treatments available, contact our team.

Will an ocular lesion go away on its own?
Though it may take time for symptoms of an ocular lesion to develop, it is unlikely that a lesion will resolve on its own. It is imperative to be assessed by an experienced provider to determine if treatment is needed to maintain optimal eye health.

How can I prevent ocular lesions?

While not all ocular lesions can be prevented, protecting your eyes from excessive sun exposure by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and hats can reduce your risk. Maintaining good eye hygiene and visiting Eye Specialists of Napa Valley regularly in Napa, CA also supports early detection and prevention.

How common are ocular lesions?

Ocular lesions are relatively common and can occur at any age. Many people develop benign lesions that don’t require treatment. Regular eye exams with our professional team help ensure that any lesions are identified early and monitored or treated as necessary.

Can ocular lesions be cancerous?

Some ocular lesions have the potential to be cancerous or precancerous. That’s why early evaluation is important. Our team will carefully examine suspicious lesions to rule out malignancy and recommend appropriate treatment if needed.

Detecting and Treating Ocular Lesions

Ocular lesions, such as pinguecula and pterygium, can be treated at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley. It is important, however, to get your eye(s) checked out as soon as possible so our ophthalmologists can address the issue early on. For more information on ocular lesions or to schedule an exam, call our Napa, CA office today.