Melanosis

Synonyms

Conjunctival epithelial melanosis; Conjunctival melanosis

Definition

Melanosis refers to excessive melanin production and retention of pigment by epithelial melanocytes. This process, however, does not elevate the surface of the conjunctiva. Nevi usually will cause elevation of the surface (Krachmer et al. 2011; Shields and Shields 2008).

Etiology

Exposure to ultraviolet light, inflammation, trauma, various hormones, toxic, genetic (Krachmer et al. 2011).

Occurrence

Unknown.

Classification

Classification of conjunctival melanosis is based on three main characteristics (Krachmer et al. 2011; Shields and Shields 2008):

• Benign or premalignant

• Congenital or acquired

• Epithelial or subepithelial

• Primary or secondary

Based on the above, melanosis of the conjunctiva could be divided to (Krachmer et al. 2011; Shields and Shields 2008; Rosa and Harocopos et al. 2011):

• 1. Epithelial congenital melanosis

  An ephelis (freckle) is a discrete, stationary lesion (present since birth or early...