Noticing a bump on your eyeball might upset you. Most of the time, bumps on the eyeball happen because of environmental exposure and aren’t harmful.
Anytime you notice something is off with your eyes, you should talk to a doctor. More serious causes of eyeball bumps, like benign tumors, can cause vision loss. Some cancers can also cause bumps on the eye.
Below, we take a closer look at some types of eyeball bumps and outline symptoms, causes, and treatments for each.
Pinguecula
A pinguecula is a type of eye growth that occurs on your eye’s white covering, called the conjunctiva. The growth can be made up of fat, protein, or calcium.
Symptoms
A pinguecula presents as a yellow-colored raised growth. Symptoms include:
- Swelling and rednessA sensation of burning in the eyeVision problems, including blurry vision
Causes
Experts believe that this type of eye growth happens because of environmental exposure to UV light, dust particles, and wind. Repeated exposure to sunny, windy, sandy conditions can cause this type of growth.
Is It OK to Wear Contacts If You Have Pinguecula?
It may be difficult or uncomfortable to wear contacts with this condition, as the contact lenses can rub the pinguecula and the friction can cause pingueculitis. You’re probably better off not wearing your contact lenses. Talk to your ophthalmologist to find out when to start wearing your contacts again.
Treatment
Lubrication may help with pain or discomfort.
Pterygium
A pterygium is a growth that may start as a pinguecula. It can also happen spontaneously.
When to See a Doctor for a Growth on Your Eye
If pinguecula is painful, you may have inflammation and should talk to a doctor about medication. If you have excess swelling and redness, a doctor may prescribe steroid eye drops, such as prednisolone. If you suspect an infection, see a doctor right away to prevent possible complications.
Sometimes, as mentioned, a pinguecula growth turns into a pterygium. However, pterygia look different. They’re fleshy in color and contain blood vessels. They can change your prescription and can, in rare cases, distort vision. Like a pinguecula, a pterygium growth may also cause inflammation and discomfort in the eye.
Like a pinguecula, a pterygium happens because of environmental exposure. A pterygium is also called surfer’s eye (which may refer to pinguecula as well). People who spend a lot of time in windy, sunny conditions may have a higher risk of developing this type of eye growth.
Treatment for this type of growth is the same as a pinguecula growth. However, if a pterygium gets too big, surgery may be necessary.
Conjunctival Tumor
Conjunctival tumors can be benign or malignant. Because they are visible, an early diagnosis is more likely than with eye cancer that doesn’t present visually. If you notice a bump on your eyeball, don’t assume it’s benign. Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist to get a definitive diagnosis.
Symptoms of malignant melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the outer eye include:
- Reddish or white spot with blood vessels around it
- Freckle on the eye
- Change in pigmentation in the eye
Cancer can develop for several reasons. Melanoma of the eye is linked to sunlight exposure but may have other causes.
Treatment depends on when the carcinoma is detected and how advanced it is. Some types of eye cancer respond well to chemotherapy drops. Malignant melanoma requires a more invasive treatment approach, such as surgery. Cryotherapy and radiation are other possible treatment options.
Conjunctival Lymphoma
Eye lymphoma is a type of cancer that specifically affects the eye, and it can affect multiple parts of the eye. Many people who develop eye lymphoma get it in both eyes.
Conjunctival lymphoma is a cancer that specifically appears on the surface of the eye. The bump typically has a pink-colored hue and is painless.
Symptoms other than a bump on the eye may include:
- Vision problems like blurriness, vision loss, and floaters
- Swelling and redness in the eye
- Light sensitivity
- Pain, which can occur but is an unlikely symptom
Risk factors for this type of eye cancer include:
- Advanced ageCompromised immune system function
People taking immunosuppressants or who have diseases that affect the immune system may have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.
There’s also evidence that conjunctival lymphoma may occur as a response to certain infections or viruses, such as Chlamydophila psittaci.
Treatment for conjunctival lymphoma typically involves removing the tumor. Other treatments include:
- CryotherapyChemotherapy injectionRadiation
Limbal Dermoid
This eyeball growth isn’t usually a cause for concern, but you’ll probably want to have it removed regardless.
A limbal dermoid has a few distinguishing features, including:
- Pale yellow colorTiny hairs
There’s no known cause for this type of eye growth.
Most of the time, treatment isn’t necessary unless there is an infection or the growth interferes with vision. If there’s irritation, steroid eye drops can help. If the growth is affecting vision, a doctor can surgically remove it.
Chemosis
Chemosis is a swelling of the conjunctiva caused by irritation.
Limbal Dermoid in Children
Most limbal dermoids in adults are harmless, but they should be carefully monitored in children. Limbal dermoids may affect a child’s vision and cause vision problems down the road.
This condition causes swelling that may look like a bump on the outer surface of the eyeball. The swelling may be so severe that closing the eye is difficult.
This kind of eye swelling can happen because of an infection, allergies, or inflammation. Physical irritation may also cause chemosis.
Allergy medication and the application of a cold compress may help reduce swelling. Swelling that starts to impair vision requires immediate attention.
A Word From Verywell
While you’ll often hear advice about checking your skin for skin cancer, you probably hear less about the importance of checking your eyes for odd changes and growths. Like most skin freckles and moles, most changes in your eyes are harmless. However, some growths and pigment changes may signal serious conditions like cancer.
It may be difficult to tell if something is wrong with your eyes. While a big bump is noticeable, other changes, like tiny freckles, may be harder to spot. You should get regular eye exams to keep tabs on your eye health—even if you don’t wear glasses.
If you notice a growth in your eye, it is concerning, but you can take steps quickly to have it addressed. See a doctor and get it checked out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a bump on your eyeball mean?
- Most of the time, an eyeball bump isn’t harmful. It could be due to environmental exposure or a benign growth such as a limbal dermoid, pinguecula, or pterygium. Though rare, an eyeball bump could also indicate a conjunctival tumor or conjunctival lymphoma.If you have a bump on your eyeball, see your healthcare provider and have it checked out.
- Can you get a pimple in your eye?
- You cannot get a pimple on your eyeball, but you can get a pimple-like sore known as a stye on your eyelid. A stye occurs when a gland on your upper or lower lash line becomes clogged and a red or flesh-colored bump forms.A stye will typically go away on its own in a few days. Applying a warm compress or teabag to the irritated eye can help ease the discomfort. After a few days, see your eye doctor and have it checked out if it does not clear up.
- Will an eyeball bump go away on its own?
- It may, depending on the cause. However, it is a good idea to have it checked out by an ophthalmologist. While a bump on the eyeball is nothing to be concerned about most of the time, there is a slim chance it could be more serious and should be examined by a healthcare provider.
You cannot get a pimple on your eyeball, but you can get a pimple-like sore known as a stye on your eyelid. A stye occurs when a gland on your upper or lower lash line becomes clogged and a red or flesh-colored bump forms.
It may, depending on the cause. However, it is a good idea to have it checked out by an ophthalmologist. While a bump on the eyeball is nothing to be concerned about most of the time, there is a slim chance it could be more serious and should be examined by a healthcare provider.
