Conjunctivitis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Conjunctivitis, including details on pink eye, symptoms, causes, treatment, medication.

Removal of giant vernal papillae by CO2 laser.

Belfair N, Monos T, Levy J, Mnitentag H, Lifshitz T

Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.

BACKGROUND: We report our experience in removing giant papillae in cases with severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis using CO2 laser. METHODS: Five cases with conjunctival giant papillae due to severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis were treated with CO2 laser. All cases were resistant to conventional treatment. In 4 eyes, there was also an associated corneal shield ulcer. RESULTS: In all 5 cases the procedure was uneventful. Retreatment was performed in only 2 cases because of recurrence of the papillae. No intra- or postoperative complications were observed. INTERPRETATION: CO2 laser seems to be a safe method for removing conjunctival giant papillae in cases with severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis. It is also a repeatable method that enables a rapid conjunctival and corneal recovery.

Published 23 August 2005 in Can J Ophthalmol, 40(4): 472-6.
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