The following is a summary of “Carbon dioxide laser excision as a novel treatment for large xanthelasma palpebrarum: long-term efficacy and safety,” published in the September 2024 issue of Ophthalmology by Wang et al.
Researchers conducted a prospective study assessing the long-term side effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser excision as a way to treat large xanthelasma palpebrarum, which are yellowish growths on the eyelids.
They studied 295 patients with xanthelasma palpebrarum, including 246 with grade I, 16 with grade II, 22 with grade III, and 11 with grade IV lesions. All received CO2 laser excision and were monitored for 12 months to check clearance rates and any complications.
The results showed that the participant group included 66 males and 229 females, averaging 41.7±11.6 years. Clearance rates were over 99% for grades I-III and around 95% for grade IV lesions. The recurrence rate was 6.8%, higher for lesions over 2 mm than those under 2 mm (P<0.001). Primary complications after 12 months included scarring (4.4%), hyperpigmentation (8.1%), and hypopigmentation (8.5%), with no severe complications reported.
Investigators concluded that CO2 laser excision is a precise, minimally invasive, and effective treatment for xanthelasma palpebrarum, representing a significant improvement in treatment options. More research is needed to confirm these findings and improve treatment protocols.
Source: bjo.bmj.com/content/early/2024/09/17/bjo-2024-325581
