Everyone knows sunglasses with good side protection are important, but why? Part ii. Last time I covered the effects of suffering pterygium and the importance of your sunglasses offering side protection. This week we look at pinguecula and some of the associated symptoms often experienced by sufferers. Pinguecula A pinguecula (pin-GWEK-yoo-lah) is a yellowish, slightly raised thickening of the conjunctiva on the white part of the eye (sclera), close to the edge of the cornea. Pingueculae typically occur on the eye's surface between your eyelids. While pingueculae are more common in middleaged or older people who spend a lot of time in the sun, they can also be found in younger people and even children. Especially those who spend time outdoors without protection such as sunglasses or hats. In most people, pingueculae cause few symptoms. But a pinguecula that is imitated might cause foreign body sensation. In some cases, pingueculae become swollen and inflamed, a condition called pingueculitis. Irritation and eye redness from pingueculitis usually result from exposure to sun, wind, dust or extremely dry conditions. In these cases eyedrops can ease the inflammation. The best drops to use are lubricating drops, and steroid drops in severe cases. So when you are choosing your sunglasses for this summer, think about side protection. Look after your eyes, Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03, Village Centre, Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY AW7236992 Everyone knows sunglasses with good side protection are important , but why ? Part ii . Last time I covered the effects of suffering pterygium and the importance of your sunglasses offering side protection . This week we look at pinguecula and some of the associated symptoms often experienced by sufferers . Pinguecula A pinguecula ( pin - GWEK - yoo - lah ) is a yellowish , slightly raised thickening of the conjunctiva on the white part of the eye ( sclera ) , close to the edge of the cornea . Pingueculae typically occur on the eye's surface between your eyelids . While pingueculae are more common in middleaged or older people who spend a lot of time in the sun , they can also be found in younger people and even children . Especially those who spend time outdoors without protection such as sunglasses or hats . In most people , pingueculae cause few symptoms . But a pinguecula that is imitated might cause foreign body sensation . In some cases , pingueculae become swollen and inflamed , a condition called pingueculitis . Irritation and eye redness from pingueculitis usually result from exposure to sun , wind , dust or extremely dry conditions . In these cases eyedrops can ease the inflammation . The best drops to use are lubricating drops , and steroid drops in severe cases . So when you are choosing your sunglasses for this summer , think about side protection . Look after your eyes , Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03 , Village Centre , Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY AW7236992