pinguecula

[jaaccs]

We've been reading about pinguecula and feel like this might be what our 8 yr old son has.  He has been to our optometrist and two opthamologists and none could diagnose him.  (Is this a rare condition?)  They want to do a biopsy.  We're not comfortable with this option.  He has had a red spot and raised gel-like blob that looks very similar to the image posted on www.kellogg.umich.edu re: pinguecula.  The spot never changes in shape or size but does change in severity of redness.  The gel-like blob comes and goes (sometimes raised, sometimes flat).  He is asymptomatic otherwise.  We've found out alot about ping...but haven't seen any postings of this occuring in children.  He has had this spot for approx. 2 years.  Do you think we're on the right track in diagnosis?  Have you seen this in other children before?  What do you think about the biopsy?
Thanks

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

It is important that the diagnosis be made by an ophthalmologist. While pinguecula can occur in children they are usually very small. If you did not see an Eye MD for this diagnosis then have your pediatrician refer you to one. If you did then watch for any change.

JCH MD

[Ascog]

Did you ever find out what the spot was? My 6 year old daughter was just diagnosed with pinguecula and it just doesn't make sense from what I've been reading even though it matches all the pictures I've seen.

[jaaccs]

Thank you for your prompt response and opinion.  We truly appreciate it.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Pinguecula are extremely common so diagnosis should not be difficult,  rare in children, doesn't come and go its always there. Your problem doesn't sound like pingueculum.  If a biopsy is needed and recommended by two ophthalmologists then its likely quite appropriate.

JCH MD