Ongoing Observation of Nevus
JUN 18, 2013
Question:
I am a 66-year-old female with a benign conjunctival neoplasm. I have known about this for at least 10 years. I have periodic checks done and the "freckle" shows no change. Should I be concerned?
Answer:
An ophthalmologist should evaluate all pigmentary changes on the surface of the eye to determine if they need treatment. Each lesion is assessed for features that would be concerning, including change in size or appearance of the lesion, distortion of the surrounding tissue, or abnormal blood vessels leading to the lesion. Photographs can allow comparison of the appearance of the lesion from year to year.
A conjunctival nevus, or "freckle," without any concerning features does not need any treatment. However, even if a conjunctival nevus has been stable for ten years, it still should be checked no less frequently than once per year. Conjunctival nevi can rarely undergo malignant transformation that would require treatment.