Conjunctival Nevi: Concerns and Care for Eye Health

Q: Conjunctival Nevi: Concerns and Care for Eye Health

Hello： <br>Q1. <br>A conjunctival nevus is typically a benign condition that does not pose any problems for vision or eye health. <br>According to your physician, it is flat and has blood vessels nearby, which are common characteristics of a conjunctival nevus. <br>Conjunctival n

Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English?

Dear Dr.
Gao,
Thank you for your response and advice in article #201230.
The day before yesterday (October 6), I followed your suggestion and visited an ophthalmology clinic.
After examination with instruments, the doctor explained that the black spots I previously described, which are located at the corneal limbus and the "punctate" and "plaque-like" black and gray spots under my eyelids, are "congenital nevi of the conjunctiva" and have likely been present for a long time, though I had not noticed them before.
The doctor further clarified that my condition is not a conjunctival nevus, as conjunctival nevi typically have some thickness and appear slightly elevated.
In contrast, my "congenital nevus" is completely flat and surrounded by numerous blood vessels.
The doctor reassured me that my "congenital nevus" is quite normal and not a cause for concern, noting that he often sees similar cases of pigment deposition in conjunctival nevi.
Additionally, there was a slight blockage of sebaceous glands at the front of my right eyelid (appearing as small blister-like protrusions), which the doctor removed using a medical needle.
I have the following questions for Dr.
Gao:
Q1: Based on your clinical experience, have you encountered any cases of malignant transformation in patients with "congenital nevi" like mine? Or, since the doctor indicated that my "congenital nevus" is normal, should I not be worried?
Q2: After returning home from the appointment, I noticed that there are still some sebaceous gland blockages at the front of my right eyelid (appearing as small blister-like protrusions).
Can I safely remove them myself with a fine needle, or would applying a warm compress help them resolve on their own?
Thank you, Dr.
Gao.

Kris, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/08

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello:
Q1.
A conjunctival nevus is typically a benign condition that does not pose any problems for vision or eye health.
According to your physician, it is flat and has blood vessels nearby, which are common characteristics of a conjunctival nevus.
Conjunctival nevi usually do not progress to more serious conditions.
However, if you still have concerns or questions, it is advisable to have regular eye examinations to monitor the condition and ensure it remains stable.
Q2.
Regarding the sebaceous gland obstruction at the front of your right eyelid, it is best not to attempt to remove it with a needle on your own.
The eyes are very sensitive organs, and self-manipulation may lead to infection or other issues.
You might consider gently applying warm compresses daily, as this can help soften the sebaceous material and encourage drainage.
If the problem persists or becomes more uncomfortable, it is recommended that you consult your ophthalmologist again for professional advice and management.

Reply Date: 2023/10/08

More Info

Understanding conjunctival nevi, or "conjunctival birthmarks," is essential for maintaining eye health and addressing any concerns that may arise. Based on your description and the insights provided by your ophthalmologist, it appears that your conjunctival nevus is benign and does not require immediate concern. However, it is always prudent to stay informed about potential changes and care strategies.

Q1: Concerns about Malignant Transformation of Conjunctival Nevi
In general, conjunctival nevi are common and typically benign. They are usually flat, pigmented lesions that can be present from birth or develop over time. The risk of malignant transformation is relatively low, especially if the nevus is stable in size and appearance. However, there are rare cases where a conjunctival nevus can undergo changes that may indicate malignancy, such as increased thickness, irregular borders, or changes in color.
Your ophthalmologist's reassurance that your nevus is normal and does not exhibit concerning features is a positive sign. Regular monitoring is key; if you notice any changes in the nevus, such as growth or changes in color, it is important to return to your eye care provider for further evaluation. In my experience, while there are cases of malignant transformation, they are not common, and most conjunctival nevi remain harmless throughout a person's life.

Q2: Managing Eyelid Sebaceous Gland Obstruction
Regarding the blocked sebaceous glands on your eyelid, it is generally not advisable to attempt to remove these obstructions yourself with a needle. Doing so can introduce bacteria, leading to infection, or cause injury to the delicate skin of the eyelid. Instead, gentle warm compresses can be very effective in promoting drainage and alleviating the blockage. The heat helps to soften the contents of the blocked gland, allowing it to drain naturally.

If the obstruction persists despite home treatment, or if you experience pain, redness, or swelling, it is best to consult your ophthalmologist again. They can safely remove the obstruction and provide further treatment if necessary. In some cases, persistent blockages may require more involved procedures, such as a minor surgical intervention, to prevent recurrence.

Additional Care and Monitoring
1. Regular Eye Exams: Continue to have regular eye examinations, especially since you have a history of conjunctival nevi. Your eye care provider can monitor any changes and ensure your overall eye health is maintained.

2. Sun Protection: Protect your eyes from UV exposure by wearing sunglasses with UV protection. This is particularly important for individuals with pigmented lesions, as UV exposure can potentially lead to changes in these areas.

3. Healthy Eyelid Hygiene: Maintain good eyelid hygiene to prevent blockages in the sebaceous glands. This can include regular cleaning of the eyelid margins with a gentle cleanser or eyelid scrub pads.

4. Awareness of Symptoms: Be vigilant for any new symptoms, such as changes in vision, increased redness, or discomfort in the eye area. Early detection of any issues can lead to better outcomes.

In conclusion, while your conjunctival nevus appears to be benign, ongoing monitoring and proper eyelid care are essential. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your eye care provider for personalized advice and treatment options. Your proactive approach to eye health is commendable, and staying informed will help you maintain your vision and overall eye health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Eyeball Polyps: Symptoms, Treatment, and Contact Lens Safety

Hello, I have something on my eyeball that resembles a conjunctival cyst or a pterygium, looking like a white polyp with faint pinkish blood vessels. It is located on the outer part of the sclera, adhering to the lower inner eyelid. I generally don't feel anything, and I hav...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, this may be a cyst or pterygium on the surface of the eye, which is a growth that forms on the eyeball or conjunctiva and is usually benign. However, a definitive diagnosis requires an examination by an ophthalmologist to rule out other...

Understanding Eye Growths: Causes, Treatments, and Costs

Recently, I noticed a white protruding bump in the corner of my eye. I previously had an infection with genital warts, and I wonder if it could be related to accidentally touching it. Should I make an appointment with an ophthalmologist? 1. If there are warts in the eye area, c...

Dr. Hu Yusheng reply Ophthalmology
Hello: You are concerned whether the white raised bump on your eye is related to warts. Based on medical principles, the likelihood is low, as human papillomavirus infection (what you referred to as "warts") typically presents as a well-vascularized tumor on the conjunc...

Understanding Eye Issues: Floaters, Dry Eye, and Chronic Conjunctivitis

Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I've been troubled by eye issues for a long time, so I have several questions to ask. 1. Whenever I look up at the sky, I see many random light spots flying around in front of my eyes. The more I focus on them, the clearer ...

Dr. Zhuang Yamin reply Ophthalmology
Dear Lays, Firstly, what you describe as "flickering light spots" sounds more like "floaters." Although most cases are benign manifestations of vitreous degeneration, a small percentage may be associated with retinal tears. It would be prudent to undergo a re...

Managing Post-Surgery Complications: A Case of Amblyopia, Glaucoma, and Cataracts

Hello Doctor, my mother was born with small eyes and amblyopia. Previously, she often experienced elevated intraocular pressure, and after diagnosis, it was found that she has cataracts and glaucoma. She underwent cataract surgery in mid-May, but since then, her eyes have been co...

Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology
Hello: The patient is evidently suffering from filamentary keratitis. It is recommended to instill preservative-free artificial tears every hour, along with mild steroid eye drops (FML) four times a day. If this does not improve the condition, please consult Dr. Wang Yizhong at N...