Treatment Outcome of Modified Argon Laser Photoablation for Conjunctival Cysts

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of conjunctival cyst removal using a modified method of argon laser photoablation. Methods: Seventeen cases of symptomatic conjunctival cysts were included. After staining the surface of a conjunctival cyst with a dark purple marker, the cyst was incised using a 26-gauge needle. Low-energy argon laser photoablation was then applied around the incision site for a mean of 100 times. Results: During a mean follow-up period of 13.3 months (range 6-28 months), all conjunctival cysts were successfully corrected by applying either one or 2 laser sessions. Complete resolution occurred after a single laser session in 14 eyes (82.4%). There were 3 cases of recurrence with medium to large cysts, and repeating the same procedure produced surgical success in all of these cases; the conjunctival cyst recurred again after the second laser session in one of the 3 eyes, but this spontaneously regressed without further treatment. No postoperative complications such as conjunctival scarring or persistent ocular irritation were observed. Conclusions: Our modified method of argon laser photoablation uses staining of the conjunctival cyst surface to increase the amount of thermal laser energy absorbed by the target. This novel technique is simple and effective for treating conjunctival cysts in an outpatient clinic.