pinguecula

DEFINITION of pinguecula

A pinguecula is a common degenerative condition of the conjunctiva in which collagen fibers undergo elastotic degeneration, accumulating as a yellowish-white or gray, slightly elevated plaque on the bulbar conjunctiva — most often on the nasal side, between the eyelid margins. It does not invade or grow over the cornea (which distinguishes it from a pterygium). Histologically, it shows subepithelial hyalinization and basophilic degeneration of connective tissue, often with calcium or lipid deposits. It is strongly associated with chronic UV exposure, dry environments, wind, and dust. It is generally asymptomatic but can become inflamed (pingueculitis), causing redness, irritation, and a foreign-body sensation. Surgical excision is rarely required and reserved for persistent inflammation, cosmetic concerns, or contact lens interference.

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ETYMOLOGY of pinguecula

latin - Origin: Latin

• Root Word: pinguis = “fat” or “grease”
• Suffix: -cula = diminutive suffix (meaning “small”)
• Literal Meaning: “Little fat” or “small greasy thing” — referring to the shiny yellow, greasy appearance of the lesion
• Latin Etymons: pinguicula, pinguiculus

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ICD-10-CM CODES (Full 7 Characters)

Code	Description	Billable
H11.151	Pinguecula, right eye	✅ Yes
H11.152	Pinguecula, left eye	✅ Yes
H11.153	Pinguecula, bilateral	✅ Yes
H11.159	Pinguecula, unspecified eye	✅ Yes
H11.15	Pinguecula (parent code)	❌ No - requires more specificity

Category: H11 - Other disorders of conjunctiva
Chapter: H00-H59 - Diseases of the eye and adnexa

✅ All four codes are valid for HIPAA transactions. These codes fall under category H11.15 (Diseases of conjunctiva). Note: If pingueculitis (inflamed pinguecula) is the reason for the encounter, these same codes apply — there is no separate ICD-10-CM code for pingueculitis; laterality specificity should always be used when documented.

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CPT CODES and CLINICAL NOTES

Code	Description
68110	Excision of pinguecula (smaller lesions)
68115	Excision of pinguecula with conjunctival graft (larger lesions)
68130	Excision of lesion, conjunctiva; with adjacent sclera

Note: Code selection depends on lesion size and whether a conjunctival graft is performed

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CLINICAL NOTES

• Benign condition - non-cancerous

• Common - frequently seen in general population

• Appearance - slightly elevated, elastic tissue deposit in the conjunctiva

• Does NOT cover the cornea - distinguishes it from pterygium

• ICD-9 Historical Code: 372.51

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DERIVATIONS of pinguecula

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Query functionality

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Med roots Appendix A Prefixes Appendix B Combining Forms Appendix C Suffixes Appendix D Suffix forms