Conjunctival Naevus Removal Risks
Conjunctival naevus removal is a safe procedure with a high success rate, but no treatment is completely risk free. Blue Fin Vision® provides consultant-led care, using detailed assessment and proven techniques to minimise risk and achieve excellent cosmetic outcomes.
How Safe is Conjunctival Naevus Removal?
Conjunctival naevus removal, whether by argon laser thermocoagulation or surgical excision, has an excellent safety profile when performed by experienced specialists. Studies show that argon laser photoablation results in complete removal with no significant complications such as infection, corneal damage or permanent redness in the majority of cases.
At Blue Fin Vision®, all procedures are performed within CQC-regulated facilities by consultant ophthalmologists with extensive experience in conjunctival lesion treatment. Detailed pre-operative assessment, careful technique and structured follow-up support safe practice and optimal cosmetic results.
Normal Side Effects After Surgery
Some changes in the first few days after conjunctival naevus removal are expected and usually settle as the eye heals. These short-term effects are not usually classed as complications:
- Redness or bloodstaining in the area where the naevus was removed, which typically fades over 1–3 weeks
- Mild discomfort, scratchiness or foreign body sensation, especially when blinking
- Watering of the eye as part of the normal healing response
- Slightly blurred vision due to swelling or lubricating ointment
- Temporary sensitivity to light, helped by wearing sunglasses
Most patients notice clear improvement over 1–3 weeks, with redness fading and the surface smoothing. If symptoms worsen rather than improve, early review is important.
Short Term Risks and Treatable Complications
A minority of patients experience issues that require additional treatment or closer follow-up. Many of these complications are manageable, particularly when recognised early.
Conjunctival Inflammation
Some degree of inflammation is expected after any procedure on the conjunctiva. In most cases, this is mild and controlled with prescribed anti-inflammatory drops. Research shows that conjunctival inflammation is slightly more common after surgical excision (approximately 20%) than argon laser treatment (approximately 10%).
Patients with a history of inflammatory eye conditions may experience more pronounced inflammation and require a longer course of drops.
Dry Eye Symptoms
Temporary dry eye symptoms can occur after conjunctival naevus removal, particularly with argon laser treatment. Studies report dry eye in approximately 15% of laser patients compared to 5% following surgical excision. Symptoms usually improve with regular use of preservative-free lubricating drops and typically resolve within weeks.
Infection
Infection is a rare complication following conjunctival naevus removal. The risk is minimised through sterile technique and the use of prescribed antibiotic drops after treatment. Signs of infection include increasing pain, discharge, marked redness and reduced vision. If these symptoms occur, urgent review is essential.
Persistent Redness
Some redness in the treatment area may persist for several weeks as the conjunctiva heals. In most cases, this fades gradually over 1–3 months. Occasionally, mild residual redness may persist longer, particularly in larger or deeper lesions. Your consultant discusses realistic expectations during your consultation.
Long-Term Risks After Conjunctival Naevus Removal
Complications can occasionally appear weeks or months after treatment. These are generally uncommon but important to understand.
Scarring
A faint scar or colour change may remain where the lesion was removed. The risk of visible scarring is higher with surgical excision than argon laser treatment. Research shows that scarring occurs primarily in the surgical excision group, whilst argon laser photoablation typically results in minimal or no visible scarring.
For most patients, any scarring is subtle and far less noticeable than the original naevus. Healing continues for several months, and final cosmetic appearance improves over time.
Recurrence
Recurrence of a conjunctival naevus is possible with any removal technique. Studies suggest recurrence is slightly more common after argon laser treatment than surgical excision, though overall rates remain low when treatment is performed by experienced specialists. If recurrence occurs, repeat treatment is usually possible.
Pigmentary Changes
Some patients notice minor pigmentary changes in the treated area, either slightly lighter or darker than surrounding tissue. This is usually subtle and tends to improve over time. Patients with darker skin tones may have a slightly higher risk of noticeable pigmentation changes.
Risks Specific to Argon Laser Treatment
Argon laser thermocoagulation is the preferred treatment for most superficial conjunctival naevi at Blue Fin Vision®. Specific considerations include:
- Dry eye: Slightly more common than with surgical excision, usually temporary
- Recurrence: Small risk, particularly with deeper pigmentation
- Multiple sessions: Some naevi may require more than one treatment session
- Depth limitation: Very deep or raised naevi may not be suitable for laser treatment
Research confirms that argon laser photoablation is safe and effective, with no significant complications such as infection, corneal damage or permanent injection reported in well-conducted studies.
Risks Specific to Surgical Excision
Surgical excision is recommended for raised, thick or complex naevi where laser treatment is not suitable. Specific considerations include:
- Conjunctival inflammation: More common than with laser treatment
- Scarring: Higher risk than laser, though usually minimal with careful technique
- Neovascularisation: New blood vessel formation in the treatment area (uncommon)
- Symblepharon: Scar bands forming between the conjunctiva and eyelid (rare, usually in extensive surgery)
- Tissue dragging: Minor distortion of surrounding tissue (rare)
Surgical excision allows tissue to be sent for histopathology (laboratory analysis), which confirms the diagnosis and excludes malignancy. This provides valuable peace of mind, particularly for lesions with concerning features.
Rare But Serious Complications
A very small proportion of patients experience rare complications. These are important to understand, even though they occur in only a tiny minority of cases.
Corneal Damage
Damage to the cornea during conjunctival naevus removal is very rare when treatment is performed by experienced specialists. The cornea is carefully protected during both laser and surgical procedures. Any corneal involvement would typically heal with appropriate treatment.
Significant Scarring Affecting Eye Movement
Extensive scarring following conjunctival surgery can, in rare cases, affect eye movement or cause discomfort. This is extremely uncommon with standard naevus removal and more relevant to extensive tumour surgery. Careful surgical technique minimises this risk.
Permanent Vision Changes
Permanent damage to vision from conjunctival naevus removal is very rare. The procedure takes place on the surface of the eye, well away from the structures responsible for sight. However, as with any eye procedure, the possibility exists and is discussed during consultation.
Who Has Higher Risk?
Some patients may have a higher baseline risk of complications or slower healing. In these cases, treatment is still usually appropriate, but the discussion is more individualised.
Higher-risk features can include:
- Large or deep naevi requiring more extensive treatment
- Naevi located near the cornea or limbus (the border between cornea and conjunctiva)
- Previous conjunctival surgery or scarring
- History of dry eye disease or ocular surface problems
- Inflammatory eye conditions such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction
- Autoimmune conditions affecting healing
- Blood-thinning medications (may increase bleeding risk with surgical excision)
These factors do not automatically rule out treatment but may influence the choice of technique and intensity of follow-up. Your consultant assesses these factors during examination.
Red Flag Symptoms to Act On
Seek urgent eye care if you notice:
- Severe or worsening pain that does not improve with simple pain relief
- Significant increase in redness or swelling after initial improvement
- Discharge from the eye, particularly if thick or coloured
- Sudden drop in vision
- Increasing sensitivity to light with reduced vision
Milder symptoms such as slight discomfort, mild redness or temporary grittiness are often part of normal healing. If there is any doubt, contact Blue Fin Vision® for advice. Early review allows most complications to be treated promptly.
Blue Fin Vision® Safety Standards
At Blue Fin Vision®, we follow rigorous protocols to minimise risk and optimise cosmetic outcomes:
- Detailed pre-operative assessment including photography and lesion characterisation
- Consultant-led treatment with your named specialist performing the procedure
- Advanced argon laser technology for precise, controlled treatment of superficial naevi
- Microsurgical techniques for raised or complex lesions requiring excision
- Histopathology analysis for all excised tissue, confirming diagnosis and excluding malignancy
- Structured post-operative follow-up to monitor healing and detect any concerns early
- UK-regulated care within CQC oversight with documented outcomes
Your safety and cosmetic result are our absolute priority. If you have concerns about your suitability for conjunctival naevus removal, our expert team is here to discuss your individual risk profile and help you make an informed decision.
Book your consultation today to discuss conjunctival naevus removal and understand how treatment can be tailored to your needs.
