title: Removal of giant vernal papillae by CO2 laser.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We report our experience in removing giant papillae in cases with severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis using CO2 laser.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five cases with conjunctival giant papillae due to severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis were treated with CO2 laser. All cases were resistant to conventional treatment. In 4 eyes, there was also an associated corneal shield ulcer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all 5 cases the procedure was uneventful. Retreatment was performed in only 2 cases because of recurrence of the papillae. No intra- or postoperative complications were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CO2 laser seems to be a safe method for removing conjunctival giant papillae in cases with severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis. It is also a repeatable method that enables a rapid conjunctival and corneal recovery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
authors.forename: Nadav
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Belfair
authors.forename: Tova
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Monos
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: Haim
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mnitentag
authors.forename: Tova
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lifshitz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male