A lump on the surface of the eye A pinguecula is a small, yellowish lump on the surface of the white part of the eye. It appears at 3 o’clock and 9’oclock, if the eye is viewed as a clock. Dryness and exposure to the environment usually cause these fleshy elevations. People who work or spend much of the time outdoors are most prone to this condition. Symptoms may include burning or stinging of the eyes. Sometimes a pinguecula may become red, irritated and inflamed. Treatment with appropriate drops will typically clear this redness in just a few days. In rare cases, surgery is necessary.