What is a common characteristic of a pinguecula in terms of growth?

A pinguecula is a common growth that appears on the conjunctiva of the eye, typically as a yellowish, raised lesion. A significant characteristic of a pinguecula is that they are usually asymptomatic, which means they often do not cause discomfort, pain, or any noticeable issues for the patient. This lack of symptoms is key, as many individuals with a pinguecula may not even be aware they have one unless it is visually observed during an eye examination.

While they can be affected by environmental factors, the growth of pingueculae is generally slow, and they do not typically lead to complications like infections or severe irritation. Over time, a pinguecula might become larger but usually remains asymptomatic unless there are environmental factors that exacerbate its appearance or condition.