Conjunctival Naevus Removal Suitability
Conjunctival naevus removal is suitable for most people troubled by the appearance of an eye freckle or concerned about changes in a pigmented lesion. At Blue Fin Vision®, consultants assess eligibility, recommend the most appropriate treatment technique and provide tailored care for complex cases.
When is Conjunctival Naevus Removal Recommended?
Removal is typically considered for cosmetic reasons or when there are concerns about the nature of the lesion. Common reasons patients seek treatment include:
- Self-consciousness about the appearance of a visible spot on the white of the eye
- Comments or questions from others about the mark on your eye
- Anxiety about whether the lesion could be harmful
- Changes in the size, shape, colour or elevation of the naevus over time
- Mild irritation, discomfort or foreign body sensation associated with the lesion
The decision balances cosmetic concerns, any symptoms, and the need to exclude rare malignancy. Most conjunctival naevi are entirely benign, but removal provides both improved appearance and diagnostic certainty through histopathology when surgical excision is performed.
Am I a Good Candidate for Conjunctival Naevus Removal?
Most adults with a visible conjunctival naevus causing cosmetic concern or anxiety are suitable candidates. A quick self-assessment can help determine whether consultation is worthwhile:
Concern | Mild | Moderate | Significant |
|---|---|---|---|
Cosmetic impact | Occasionally notice | Regularly aware | Affects confidence |
Anxiety about lesion | Minimal | Some worry | Significant concern |
Changes noticed | None | Possible | Definite |
Irritation/discomfort | None | Occasional | Frequent |
If moderate or significant concerns affect one or more areas, consultation is recommended. Even mild cosmetic concern is a valid reason for treatment if the appearance of the lesion affects your confidence or wellbeing.
Factors That Make Someone Highly Suitable
The ideal candidates for conjunctival naevus removal share these characteristics:
- Clear cosmetic concern about a visible pigmented lesion on the eye surface
- Healthy eye apart from the naevus, with no active infection or significant inflammation
- Realistic expectations about outcomes, including healing time and the possibility of minor residual changes
- Good general health and ability to attend follow-up appointments
- Commitment to aftercare including using prescribed drops and protecting the eye during healing
These patients typically achieve excellent cosmetic results and report significant improvement in confidence and peace of mind.
Treatment Options and Suitability
Blue Fin Vision® offers two main treatment approaches. Your consultant recommends the most appropriate technique based on your naevus characteristics.
Argon Laser Thermocoagulation
Best suited for:
- Flat or minimally elevated naevi
- Superficial pigmentation confined to the conjunctival surface
- Smaller to medium-sized lesions
- Patients seeking minimal downtime and rapid recovery
- Naevi located away from the corneal edge
Argon laser treatment is the preferred option for most conjunctival naevi at Blue Fin Vision®. It offers precise targeting, minimal invasion of surrounding tissue and excellent cosmetic outcomes with low recurrence rates.
Surgical Excision
Best suited for:
- Raised, elevated or nodular naevi
- Deep pigmentation extending into underlying tissue
- Larger or more complex lesions
- Naevi with suspicious features requiring histopathology
- Cases where complete tissue diagnosis is important for peace of mind
Surgical excision allows the removed tissue to be sent for laboratory analysis, confirming the diagnosis and excluding any rare malignancy. This provides valuable reassurance, particularly for lesions that have changed over time.
Complex Cases: Still Suitable, But Tailored
Many patients with additional considerations can still benefit from conjunctival naevus removal, with appropriate planning.
Large or Multiple Naevi
Patients with larger lesions or multiple naevi on the same eye may require staged treatment or a combination of techniques. Your consultant plans an approach that optimises cosmetic outcome whilst minimising risk.
Naevi Near the Cornea or Limbus
Lesions located close to the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) require particular care to avoid affecting vision. Experienced consultants use precise techniques to treat these naevi safely whilst achieving good cosmetic results.
Previous Conjunctival Surgery
Patients who have had previous surgery on the conjunctiva, including pterygium removal or other procedures, may have altered tissue that requires tailored assessment. Treatment is usually still possible with appropriate planning.
Dry Eye Disease
Patients with significant dry eye may experience temporary worsening of symptoms after treatment. Optimising dry eye management before and after the procedure helps minimise discomfort and supports healing.
Contact Lens Wearers
Contact lens wear should be paused before and after treatment to allow proper healing. Your consultant advises on timing, but most patients can return to contact lens wear within 2–4 weeks of treatment.
Suspicious Lesions
If your consultant identifies features that raise concern about possible malignancy, surgical excision with histopathology is recommended rather than laser treatment. This ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Suspicious features may include rapid growth, irregular borders, unusual pigmentation or feeder vessels.
Who Might Not be Suitable Right Now?
Conjunctival naevus removal is rarely ruled out entirely, but may be deferred if:
- Active eye infection or inflammation – Treatment should wait until the eye is healthy
- Uncontrolled systemic illness – Optimising general health before treatment reduces complications
- Very recent changes in the lesion – Rapid or concerning changes may warrant specialist oncology assessment before cosmetic treatment
- Unrealistic expectations – If expectations cannot be met, honest discussion may lead to deferral or alternative advice
- Inability to comply with aftercare – Using prescribed drops and attending follow-up is important for safe healing
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding – Elective procedures are usually deferred until after this period
In borderline cases, monitoring, treating co-existing conditions first, or further specialist assessment may be advised. Our consultants discuss all options openly and help you decide on the best approach.
The Assessment Process at Blue Fin Vision®
Your suitability journey begins with a detailed consultation including:
Lesion Examination and Photography
Your consultant carefully examines the naevus using magnification, assessing size, depth, colour, borders and any concerning features. High-quality photographs document the lesion for comparison after treatment.
Ocular Surface Health Review
Assessment of tear film quality, dry eye signs and overall conjunctival health helps plan treatment and predict healing.
Medical History Review
Discussion of relevant medical history, medications and any previous eye conditions or surgery that may affect treatment planning.
Treatment Options Discussion
Your consultant explains whether argon laser or surgical excision is most appropriate for your naevus, with honest pros and cons for each approach.
Risk and Benefit Discussion
Open conversation about success rates, healing timeline, potential complications and realistic cosmetic expectations.
Personalised Recommendation
Based on your naevus characteristics and cosmetic goals, your consultant recommends the optimal treatment approach and discusses timing.
Histopathology Explanation (Surgical Cases)
For patients undergoing surgical excision, your consultant explains how the removed tissue is analysed and what the results mean for your peace of mind.
What Sets Blue Fin Vision® Apart
Our consultant-led assessment ensures:
- Expert evaluation by your named consultant, the UK’s leading provider of conjunctival naevus removal
- Unrivalled experience with hundreds of documented cases and before-and-after photographs
- Tailored treatment selection based on your naevus characteristics and cosmetic goals
- Honest discussion of risks, benefits and realistic outcomes
- Argon laser thermocoagulation for most superficial naevi, offering minimal scarring and rapid recovery
- Surgical excision with histopathology for raised or suspicious lesions, providing diagnostic certainty
- CQC-regulated facilities with documented outcomes and safety protocols
Take the First Step
Unsure if conjunctival naevus removal is right for you? Our team can help assess your suitability based on your lesion characteristics, concerns and cosmetic goals.
Book your consultation today to discuss conjunctival naevus removal and discover how treatment can restore your confidence and peace of mind.
