Argon Laser Ablation of Conjunctival Nevus

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of argon laser in the ablation of benign conjunctival pigmented nevi. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational case study, on a series of argon laser ablations of conjunctival pigmented nevi, in 30 eyes of 28 patients. Laser ablation was applied directly to the conjunctival pigmented nevus in all patients. The mean age of the patients was 33.0 +/- 9.3 years old, and the male to female ratio was 3 25. All patients were followed up over a period of at least 6 months. RESULTS: The mean size of the conjunctival lesions was 3.9 X 2.8 mm. In all patients, the conjunctival lesions to which the argon laser was applied disappeared almost completely within two days after treatment. No lesion recurrence was detected in any patient during the follow-up period, nor were there any conjunctival scars or conjunctival injection. All patients were satisfied with the results of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Argon laser ablation of conjunctival pigmented nevi resulted in uniformly excellent clinical outcomes. Therefore, this study concludes that argon laser ablation is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of benign conjunctival nevi, and that this method is capable of replacing the classical surgical procedure.