Conjunctival Nevus: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Key Learning Points

• Understanding Conjunctival Nevus: A conjunctival nevus is a common, benign pigmented spot on the eye's surface, similar to a skin mole.

• Symptoms and Appearance: Typically appearing as a painless, well-defined, pigmented spot, often with small cysts, usually noticed in childhood or adolescence.

• Diagnosis and Monitoring: Regular eye examinations are essential to monitor any changes in size, color, or shape, ensuring early detection of potential complications.

• Treatment Options: Most conjunctival nevi do not require treatment unless significant changes occur; in such cases, surgical removal may be considered.

• Prevention and Eye Health: While conjunctival nevi cannot be prevented, protecting your eyes from excessive sunlight by wearing UV-protective sunglasses may help reduce risks associated with UV exposure.

Comprehensive Guide to Conjunctival Nevus

As a dedicated ophthalmologist at Roque Eye Clinic, serving patients in both St. Luke's Medical Center Global City and Asian Hospital and Medical Center, I aim to provide clear information about various eye conditions. One such condition is the conjunctival nevus. This guide will help you understand what a conjunctival nevus is, its symptoms, treatment options, and how to maintain optimal eye health.

What is a Conjunctival Nevus?

A conjunctival nevus is a benign (non-cancerous) pigmented spot or growth on the conjunctiva—the transparent membrane that covers the white part of your eye. It's akin to a mole or freckle on your skin and is one of the most common types of eye nevi. These spots can vary in color from yellow to brown and may change over time, especially during periods of hormonal changes like puberty or pregnancy.

Symptoms and Appearance

Typically, a conjunctival nevus appears as a painless, well-defined spot on the eye's surface. In many cases, these nevi contain small, clear cysts, giving them a characteristic appearance. They are usually first noticed in childhood or adolescence and remain stable throughout life. However, they can darken or lighten over time.

Diagnosis

During a comprehensive eye examination, your ophthalmologist can identify a conjunctival nevus using a slit lamp—a specialized microscope that provides a magnified view of the eye's structures. They will assess the nevus's size, shape, color, and any associated features like cysts. Photographs may be taken to monitor any changes over time.

Treatment Options

In most cases, a conjunctival nevus does not require treatment and can be safely observed with regular eye exams. However, if the nevus shows significant changes in size, shape, or color, or if it causes discomfort or cosmetic concerns, surgical removal may be considered. This procedure is typically straightforward and performed under local anesthesia.

Prevention and Eye Health

While you cannot prevent the formation of a conjunctival nevus, protecting your eyes from excessive sunlight is advisable. Wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) rays can help reduce the risk of developing new nevi and prevent potential complications associated with UV exposure.

Being diagnosed with a conjunctival nevus can be concerning, but it's important to remember that these are typically benign and harmless. Regular monitoring by your ophthalmologist ensures that any changes are detected early, allowing for prompt management if necessary.

Post-Diagnosis Care

After being diagnosed with a conjunctival nevus, follow these steps to ensure proper eye health:

1. Regular Eye Examinations: Schedule routine check-ups as recommended by your ophthalmologist to monitor the nevus for any changes.

2. Protect Your Eyes: Wear UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors to shield your eyes from harmful rays.

3. Monitor for Changes: Be vigilant for any alterations in the nevus's appearance, such as changes in size, color, or shape, and report them to your doctor promptly.

4. Maintain Overall Eye Health: Adopt healthy eye care practices, including a balanced diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients, adequate hydration, and avoiding smoking.

Think of a conjunctival nevus like a freckle on your skin. Just as skin freckles are usually harmless but should be monitored for changes, an eye freckle (nevus) is generally benign but requires regular observation to ensure it remains non-threatening.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can a conjunctival nevus turn into cancer?

  While rare, a conjunctival nevus can transform into melanoma, a type of eye cancer. Regular monitoring is essential to detect any early signs of malignancy.

• Is it normal for a conjunctival nevus to change over time?

  Yes, these nevi can darken or lighten, especially during hormonal changes. However, significant changes should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

• Does a conjunctival nevus affect vision?

  Typically, a conjunctival nevus does not impact vision as it is located on the eye's surface away from the visual axis.

• How common are conjunctival nevi?

  They are relatively common and are the most frequent benign tumors of the conjunctiva.

• Can a conjunctival nevus be removed for cosmetic reasons?

  Yes, if the nevus is causing significant cosmetic concern or discomfort, it can be surgically removed by an ophthalmologist. The procedure is typically minor and performed under local anesthesia.

• Is conjunctival nevus removal painful?

  The procedure is generally painless as it is done under local anesthesia. Mild discomfort or irritation may occur during recovery but is manageable with prescribed eye drops.

• How long does it take to recover after conjunctival nevus removal?

  Most patients recover within a few weeks. The eye may appear red or slightly irritated initially, but this improves with time.

• What are the risks of conjunctival nevus removal?

  As with any surgical procedure, there are minor risks such as infection, scarring, or recurrence of the nevus. However, these risks are minimal when performed by an experienced ophthalmologist.

• Can a conjunctival nevus be prevented?

  No, but reducing UV exposure by wearing sunglasses may help lower the risk of developing additional nevi.

• What should I do if I notice a new pigmented spot on my eye?

  Schedule an eye examination with an ophthalmologist to assess the lesion and determine if it requires monitoring or further evaluation.

Take-Home Message

A conjunctival nevus is a common, benign eye condition similar to a skin mole. While most cases require only observation, regular eye exams are crucial to ensure no significant changes occur. If necessary, surgical removal is a safe option for cosmetic concerns or medical indications. Protecting your eyes from excessive sun exposure and maintaining regular check-ups with your ophthalmologist are key steps in ensuring optimal eye health.