Treatment outcomes of modified argon laser photocoagulation for conjunctivochalasis

Abstract

To determine the effectiveness of conjunctivoplasty using a modified argon laser photocoagulation method on patients with conjunctivochalasis (CCh). This study included 25 cases of symptomatic inferior CCh. After staining the surface of a redundant conjunctiva using a dark-purple marker, low-energy argon laser photocoagulation (500 μm spot size for 0.5 seconds at power 300 mW) was applied under topical anesthesia for a mean of 80 times. The patients were aged 67.6 ± 7.1 years (mean ± standard deviation). During a mean follow-up period of 7.8 months (range of 6–12 months), the CCh grades of 21 eyes (84%) decreased after laser conjunctivoplasty. Calculated reduction rates of grades 1, 2, and 3 were 90%, 75%, and 67%, respectively. Patient subjective symptoms were improved in 80% of cases. No postoperative complications such as conjunctival scarring or persistent ocular irritation were observed. Our modified argon laser photocoagulation method employs staining the conjunctival surface to increase the thermal laser energy absorbed by the target. This novel technique is simple and effective for treating mild-to-moderate-grade CCh in outpatient clinics.