Conjunctival naevi (nevi) are benign pigmented lesions on the white of the eye (conjunctiva). Many people notice them, some worry, especially about appearance, others wonder about risks. At Blue Fin Vision, we offer argon laser conjunctival naevus treatment – a minimally invasive option that many don’t realize exists. This blog explains what a conjunctival naevus is, when treatment is needed, and how argon laser can help in safe, effective ways.
What Is a Conjunctival Naevus?
- A naevus (singular of naevi) is essentially a benign melanocytic lesion, similar to a mole on the skin, on the conjunctiva.
- Commonly discovered in childhood or adolescence, they may be flat or slightly elevated, vary in colour from light brown to dark brown, and often have defined edges.
- Usually harmless and stable, but in rare cases changes might prompt further evaluation to exclude melanoma.
When to Consider Treatment
There are several reasons why a patient might seek treatment:
- Cosmetic concern: visible lesion, asymmetry, discolouration.
- Discomfort or irritation: rubbing on eyelid, foreign body sensation.
- Surface irregularity: affecting contact lens wear, tear film break up.
- Suspicious features: rapid growth, change in shape or colour, vascularisation (blood vessels), or unusual symptoms.
A full evaluation by an ophthalmologist is essential to rule out malignancy or other risks.
What Is Argon Laser Treatment?
Argon laser is a well-established ophthalmic laser tool. It emits continuous wave light in visible green and blue-green wavelengths. It is used in treating certain retinal conditions, glaucoma, and, in selected cases, surface lesions like conjunctival naevi.
The treatment involves applying controlled laser energy to the pigmented naevus cells. The melanin absorbs the light, converting it into heat, which ablates or flattens pigmented tissue. Precise application under magnification ensures minimal damage to adjacent healthy tissue.
How Blue Fin Vision Uses Argon Laser for Conjunctival Naevus
- Comprehensive assessment first: We perform slit-lamp examination, photographic documentation, possibly OCT imaging of the conjunctiva to measure thickness, evaluate depth, look for vascularisation or suspicious features.
- Patient discussion: What appearance can be expected, possible side effects (temporary redness, mild discomfort), how many sessions may be needed.
- Laser procedure: Local anaesthetic drops; then carefully target the naevus with argon laser, adjusting power, duration, spot size for safety and effectiveness. Procedures are often outpatient, relatively quick, and low risk.
- Follow-up care: Patients reviewed to assess healing, pigmentation fade, and to ensure no recurrence / change.
Advantages & Limitations
Advantages:
- Minimally invasive: avoids surgical excision in many cases, keeping conjunctival tissue intact.
- Better cosmetics: fading or removal of pigment, smoothing of raised lesions.
- Low risk: less bleeding, lower risk of scarring compared to excision.
- Quick recovery: minimal downtime.
Limitations:
- Depth: if lesion is thick or involves deeper tissues, laser may not reach full depth.
- Multiple sessions may be needed to achieve desired cosmetic fade.
- Possible mild discomfort, pigmentation changes, or temporary irritation after treatment.
- Not suitable for naevi with suspicious features — in those cases excision and histopathology may be needed.
Is It Safe?
At Blue Fin Vision, safety is paramount. We ensure:
- Any naevus with atypical features is fully assessed, possibly biopsied.
- Laser settings are carefully calibrated.
- Eye protection and post-operative care to avoid complications.
- Only suitable cases are selected for argon laser treatment, ensuring best outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will the naevus return? Possible, especially if not fully treated or if residual pigmented cells remain. But with careful application and follow-up, recurrence is uncommon.
- Will I see scarring or discolouration worse than before? Usually not. Most patients get gradual fade, modest redness initially. Permanent scarring is rare in properly selected cases.
- Is this treatment painful? Usually mild discomfort, often just anaesthetic drops required. Not painful.
- How many sessions are needed? Depends on lesion size, thickness, pigmentation. Some patients may need more than one treatment.
Conclusion
If you have noticed a pigmented spot on the white of your eye and wondered whether you could do something about it besides “wait and see”, argon laser treatment at Blue Fin Vision offers a safe, minimally invasive option. It’s often the treatment you didn’t know you could have — but we offer the expertise, technology, and patient-centred care to make it an excellent choice. Contact us to arrange a consultation; we’ll evaluate your naevus, discuss whether laser treatment is right for you, and show you realistic what to expect.