Treatment of Recurrent Squamous Papillomata of the Conjunctiva by Carbon Dioxide Laser Vaporization

Complete resection of recurrent conjunctival squamous papillomata frequently may be exceedingly difficult, since such lesions are typically friable and multilobulated. Recurrent lesions often fill the fornicies and spill onto the lid margins. Moreover, since the human papillomavirus (HPV) has been linked to some of these lesions, there remains the further possibility of spread with “cold knife” resection. We discuss the benefits of carbon dioxide laser vaporization therapy for recurrent squamous papillomata of the conjunctiva that have not responded to resection and cryotherapy or topical immunotherapy. The carbon dioxide laser facilitates resection by providing a bloodless field, and reduces the possibility of viral seeding of the conjunctiva by sterilizing the operative site and sealing the lymphatics.