Pinguecula is a growth that looks like a “bump” on the conjunctiva (white part of the eye). A pinguecula is a deposit of protein, fat, or calcium. Pinguecula are caused by a combination of ultraviolet light from the sun, dry eyes and exposure to allergies. Preventative method is to wear polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light. Symptoms of pinguecula may include redness, itchy, burning eyes, or feeling like sand is stuck in your eye. Usually artificial tear drops can relieve any discomfort from pinguecula, and surgery is usually not recommended or needed. In many cases pinguecula does not need to be treated but monitor.