My eyes

Krs, is it actually on the 'eyeball' itself - or is it on the upper eyelid? I'm a little unsure about location as you describe it - for instance, on the left eye is it medial (toward your nose) or lateral (toward your ear)?

If they are on the eyeball itself, one possibility could be a pterygium - an overgrowth of the covering layer (the conjunctiva) - thought to be caused by overexposure to sunlight / wind / dust. These are usually harmless but (rarely) can eventually extend over the cornea and block vision. Pterygiums are usually located medially. Smoking could contribute to the irritation - if this is indeed what you have.

If they are on the eyelids, this could be xanthomas - cholesterol deposits in the skin. These are often harmless - but can be associated with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels (about 30 - 40% of patients will have abnormal levels). In that your father had them too could possibly indicate a family disposition for elevated cholesterol / triglycerides. These xanthomas are usually located medially also. If these are xanthomas and you do have an associated cholesterol abnormality - you may be at a significantly elevated risk for heart disease and stroke - even much more so since you smoke too!

Try looking up pterygium and xanthoma online to see if any of the pictures look like what you are seeing. I'd recommend you have your doctor look at these soon to establish a diagnosis and I'd strongly advise you to take steps to stop smoking.

This is what I think I have. I hope its not serious?

Pinguecula -- A yellowish, thickened lesion on the conjunctiva near the cornea. Pingueculae represent a benign degenerative change in the conjunctiva caused by the leakage and deposition of certain blood proteins through the permeable capillaries near the limbus.

Both pterygium and pingueculae are thought to be of similar origins - environmental exposure. Occasionally they require treatment - but most folks just live with them. Still, since we can't see them - you need to see your doctor (you need to have routine eye exams anyway - particularly if you are prone to environmental exposure - which can also lead to cataracts). There are multiple online sites that give more info - pictures, treatment options, and measures you can take to prevent worsening. Do a search.

Ok thank you