Pinguecula F031

Current RMA Instruments:

Reasonable Hypothesis SOP

60 of 2024

Balance of Probabilities SOP

61 of 2024
Changes from previous instruments:
ICD Coding:
  • ICD-10-AM Codes: H11.1
Brief description

A pinguecula is a common non-cancerous lesion that grows as part of conjunctiva degeneration. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue covering the sclera (white part of the eye) and a pinguecula manifests as a yellow or white fatty deposit on the sclera- usually on the nasal side (closer to the nose). However, they can sometimes also occur on the temporal side (closer to the ear).

Confirming the diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on clinical grounds, based on the typical appearance and location of the lesion.

Optometrists or ophthalmologists are usually required for confirming this diagnosis. 

Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
  • Nil
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • Pterygium *

    * another SoP applies

Clinical onset

Clinical onset will generally correspond with the date of diagnosis. The condition is usually asymptomatic but can sometimes be associated with redness, irritation, dryness or a sensation of something being present in the eye. 

Clinical worsening

The SOP has only an inability to obtain appropriate clinical management factor for worsening. Often, the condition does not require treatment. However, if there are symptoms or if the pinguecula causes significant discomfort then treatment may involve eye drops or surgical removal. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/sops-grouped-icd-body-system/n-p/pinguecula-f031-h111

Last amended

Rulebase for pinguecula

<h5>Current RMA Instruments:</h5><table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"><tbody><tr><td><address><p><a href="http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2024/a536623544/060.pdf&quot; target="_blank">Reasonable Hypothesis SOP</a></p></address></td><td>60 of 2024</td></tr><tr><td><address><p><a href="http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2024/be5a00bd9a/061.pdf&quot; target="_blank">Balance of Probabilities SOP</a></p></address></td><td>61 of 2024</td></tr></tbody></table><h5>Changes from previous instruments:</h5><drupal-media data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="a332c873-8a05-489b-a149-49e8d79ad4a6"> </drupal-media><h5>ICD Coding:</h5><ul><li>ICD-10-AM Codes: H11.1</li></ul><h5><strong>Brief description</strong></h5><p>A pinguecula is a common non-cancerous lesion that grows as part of conjunctiva degeneration. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue covering the sclera (white part of the eye) and a pinguecula manifests as a yellow or white fatty deposit on the sclera- usually on the nasal side (closer to the nose). However, they can sometimes also occur on the temporal side (closer to the ear).</p><h5>Confirming the diagnosis</h5><p>The diagnosis is made on clinical grounds, based on the typical appearance and location of the lesion.</p><p>Optometrists or ophthalmologists are usually required for confirming this diagnosis. </p><h5><strong>Additional diagnoses covered by SOP</strong></h5><ul><li>Nil</li></ul><h5><strong>Conditions excluded from SOP</strong></h5><ul><li><p>Pterygium *</p><p>* another SoP applies</p></li></ul><h5><strong>Clinical onset</strong></h5><p>Clinical onset will generally correspond with the date of diagnosis. The condition is usually asymptomatic but can sometimes be associated with redness, irritation, dryness or a sensation of something being present in the eye. </p><h5>Clinical worsening</h5><p>The SOP has only an inability to obtain appropriate clinical management factor for worsening. Often, the condition does not require treatment. However, if there are symptoms or if the pinguecula causes significant discomfort then treatment may involve eye drops or surgical removal. </p>

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/n-p/rulebase-pinguecula

Inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for pinguecula

Current RMA Instruments:

Reasonable Hypothesis SOP

60 of 2024

Balance of Probabilities SOP

61 of 2024
Changes from previous instruments:
ICD Coding:
  • ICD-10-AM Codes: H11.1
Brief description

A pinguecula is a common non-cancerous lesion that grows as part of conjunctiva degeneration. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue covering the sclera (white part of the eye) and a pinguecula manifests as a yellow or white fatty deposit on the sclera- usually on the nasal side (closer to the nose). However, they can sometimes also occur on the temporal side (closer to the ear).

Confirming the diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on clinical grounds, based on the typical appearance and location of the lesion.

Optometrists or ophthalmologists are usually required for confirming this diagnosis. 

Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
  • Nil
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • Pterygium *

    * another SoP applies

Clinical onset

Clinical onset will generally correspond with the date of diagnosis. The condition is usually asymptomatic but can sometimes be associated with redness, irritation, dryness or a sensation of something being present in the eye. 

Clinical worsening

The SOP has only an inability to obtain appropriate clinical management factor for worsening. Often, the condition does not require treatment. However, if there are symptoms or if the pinguecula causes significant discomfort then treatment may involve eye drops or surgical removal. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/n-p/pinguecula-f031-h111/rulebase-pinguecula/inability-obtain-appropriate-clinical-management-pinguecula

Increased risk due to solar exposure on service

Current RMA Instruments:

Reasonable Hypothesis SOP

60 of 2024

Balance of Probabilities SOP

61 of 2024
Changes from previous instruments:
ICD Coding:
  • ICD-10-AM Codes: H11.1
Brief description

A pinguecula is a common non-cancerous lesion that grows as part of conjunctiva degeneration. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue covering the sclera (white part of the eye) and a pinguecula manifests as a yellow or white fatty deposit on the sclera- usually on the nasal side (closer to the nose). However, they can sometimes also occur on the temporal side (closer to the ear).

Confirming the diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on clinical grounds, based on the typical appearance and location of the lesion.

Optometrists or ophthalmologists are usually required for confirming this diagnosis. 

Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
  • Nil
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • Pterygium *

    * another SoP applies

Clinical onset

Clinical onset will generally correspond with the date of diagnosis. The condition is usually asymptomatic but can sometimes be associated with redness, irritation, dryness or a sensation of something being present in the eye. 

Clinical worsening

The SOP has only an inability to obtain appropriate clinical management factor for worsening. Often, the condition does not require treatment. However, if there are symptoms or if the pinguecula causes significant discomfort then treatment may involve eye drops or surgical removal. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/n-p/pinguecula-f031-h111/rulebase-pinguecula/increased-risk-due-solar-exposure-service

Prolonged sunlight exposure to the unprotected eye

Current RMA Instruments:

Reasonable Hypothesis SOP

60 of 2024

Balance of Probabilities SOP

61 of 2024
Changes from previous instruments:
ICD Coding:
  • ICD-10-AM Codes: H11.1
Brief description

A pinguecula is a common non-cancerous lesion that grows as part of conjunctiva degeneration. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue covering the sclera (white part of the eye) and a pinguecula manifests as a yellow or white fatty deposit on the sclera- usually on the nasal side (closer to the nose). However, they can sometimes also occur on the temporal side (closer to the ear).

Confirming the diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on clinical grounds, based on the typical appearance and location of the lesion.

Optometrists or ophthalmologists are usually required for confirming this diagnosis. 

Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
  • Nil
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • Pterygium *

    * another SoP applies

Clinical onset

Clinical onset will generally correspond with the date of diagnosis. The condition is usually asymptomatic but can sometimes be associated with redness, irritation, dryness or a sensation of something being present in the eye. 

Clinical worsening

The SOP has only an inability to obtain appropriate clinical management factor for worsening. Often, the condition does not require treatment. However, if there are symptoms or if the pinguecula causes significant discomfort then treatment may involve eye drops or surgical removal. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/n-p/pinguecula-f031-h111/rulebase-pinguecula/prolonged-sunlight-exposure-unprotected-eye