Unusual Growth in My Eye?
Greetings! I am a 44-year-old woman who has relied on contact lenses for the last three decades. Lately, I’ve been experiencing a sensation as though something is lodged in my left eye. To alleviate my concerns, I asked my husband to take a closer look. He noticed a fleshy growth situated at the outer corner of my eye, though it’s not on the eyeball itself. This discovery has understandably raised some alarms for me. While it isn’t really painful, it does cause discomfort. I would be thankful for any insights or advice regarding this issue!
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 12:30:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing discomfort from a fleshy growth near the outer corner of your eye, which can be concerning. While symptoms like these are often benign (non-cancerous), it’s important to take them seriously, especially since they cause discomfort.
Explanation
The growth you’re describing could be a few different things, such as:
- Pterygium: A benign growth of tissue on the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye), often linked to prolonged sun exposure.
- Pinguecula: A yellowish, raised growth that occurs on the conjunctiva and is also related to sun exposure, dust, or wind.
- Other benign lesions: Such as cysts or papillomas that can develop due to irritation or inflammation.
While these conditions are usually not harmful, they can cause discomfort and may require treatment to alleviate symptoms.
Next Steps
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Avoid Rubbing Your Eye: This could irritate the area further. Instead, if your eye feels dry, consider using lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to relieve discomfort.
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Monitor the Growth: Keep track of any changes in size, shape, or color of the growth, as well as any new symptoms (like increased pain or vision changes).
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Protect Your Eyes: If you spend time outdoors, wear sunglasses with UV protection to minimize further irritation or growth.
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Limit Contact Lens Use: If possible, take a break from using contact lenses until the issue is resolved to reduce irritation.
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of any discomfort you feel and when it happens. This can be helpful for a healthcare provider when assessing the issue.
While these steps can help manage your discomfort, it is important to follow up with an eye care professional to get a definitive diagnosis and discuss possible treatment options if necessary. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a thorough examination, especially since you’re experiencing discomfort.
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