Clinical Features of Conjunctival Nevi in Korean Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical features and therapeutic modality of conjunctival nevi in Korean patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 197 patients (75 males and 122 females) with nevi who were diagnosed by slit lamp examination from 1997 to 2008. RESULTS: Nevi occurred most commonly on bulbar conjunctiva (88%), followed by caruncle and plica semilunaris (7%). The nevi involved temporal (71%), nasal (21%), inferior (2.8%) and superior (0.7%) quadrants of the conjunctiva. The mean horizontal length was 4.3+/-2.0 mm and the mean vertical 4.45+/-2.2 mm. Thirty-five patients (7.8%) received no treatment. Excisional biopsy was performed in 38 patients (19.3%). Argon laser photoablation of conjunctiva nevi was performed in 124 patients (62.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of conjunctival nevi in Korean patients was similar to Caucasian patients. The biopsy was performed according to appropriate guidelines however, nevus which does not require a biopsy, could be treated by argon laser photoablation.