Permanent Red Bloodshot Spot on Eye

[teds2008]

I have a permanent bloodshot area in one of my eyes.  It started about 5 years ago and would come and go, now it never goes away.  When it first appeared I went to an eye doctor and she told me it was sun damage and she could "snip it out" or it might just get better on its own.  I decided to leave it alone at the time.  I since moved to the other side of the country and went to a new eye doctor.  He told me it was sun damage, but I was stuck with it, that there is nothing you can do.  This is kind of disappointing because I am fairly young and having this spot grow for the rest of my life doesn't make me too happy.  Unfortunately, my insurance doesn't cover eye appointments so I paid $125 for the doctor to tell me I was stuck with it.  I want a second opinion but don't want to shell over the cash for the same useless answer.  Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of what can be done about bloodshot 'sun damage' on the sclera (white part) of the eye?  Thanks!

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Pinguecula
Pterygium

[teds2008]

Is there a medical term for this 'sun damage of the sclera'?  I would like to do some more research.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Lots of lubricating drops, allergy drops, sunglasses all the time, oral flax and fish oil, perhaps punctal plugs, possibly restasis - sometimes surgery.  These are some of your options.

MJK MD