DARSHAN EYE CARE

Conjunctival Melanosis

Pigmented lesions of the conjunctiva are a common finding during an ophthalmic examination. They can pose a significant diagnostic challenge since they can stem from a wide variety of causes. Although malignant melanomas of the conjunctiva are rare, and account for less than 5% of ocular melanoma (majority are from the uveal tract), they can have significant morbidity and mortality and hence, early diagnosis is important. When evaluating these lesions, the clinical appearance, age at presentation, location, bilaterally and when in doubt, histopathology can help. In a 10-year-old boy, with dark skin, brown irides, the appearance of light brown, dispersed flat lesions seen symmetrically in both eyes, with no change since detection, the diagnosis is Complexion associated Melanosis (formerly called racial melanosis). Documentation and periodic observation for change in size, color, thickness and vascularity are necessary.