A Novel Surgical Approach for Oculodermal Melanocytosis: Superficial Sclerectomy

Abstract

Objective: To report the outcomes of a new surgical method for oculodermal melanocytosis (nevus of Ota) - superficial scleral separation. Methods: Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients with scleral pigmentation arising from oculodermal melanocysis. These patients underwent superficial scleral separation between March 2012 and February 2013. Each patient was evaluated with the followings: ocular examinations, the preoperative extent of scleral involvement of nevus of Ota, satisfaction score after surgery, histologic examination, and postoperative complications. Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), induced refractive error, intraocular pressure (IOP), patient satisfaction scores, and anterior segment photographs. Results: All patients showed cosmetic improvement without any serious complications. Preoperative and postoperative BCVA, IOP, and refractive outcomes did not change significantly. Conclusions: Superficial scleral separation is an effective procedure for cosmetic improvement of oculodermal melanocytosis.