Aetiology

Concretions are small yellow or white lesions of the palpebral conjunctiva containing epithelial debris with mucinous secretions, sometimes with a hard texture

Predisposing factors

Age, especially over the age of 50 years (prevalence in ophthalmology outpatient population has been reported as approximately 40%)

Chronic inflammatory conditions of the conjunctiva e.g. chronic conjunctivitis, concretions grouped around an old chalazion

Symptoms of concretions

Usually none

May erode through the epithelium, causing

• foreign body sensation
• epiphora
• redness

Signs of concretions

Small white/yellow-white bodies with distinct edges in tarsal (upper or lower) conjunctiva

Single or multiple

May stain with fluorescein

Usually <1-2mm diameter 

• appear larger if confluent

Usually low profile but may be raised if large

Differential diagnosis

Conjunctival inclusion cysts

• thin walled cysts containing clear or translucent fluid

Follicles

• focal lymphoid hyperplasia

Management by optometrist

Practitioners should work within their scope of practice and where necessary seek further advice or refer the patient elsewhere

GRADE* Level of evidence and strength of recommendation always relates to the statement(s) immediately above

Treatment rarely required
Artificial tears and lubricating ointments for symptomatic relief (drops for use during the day, unmedicated ointment for use at bedtime)
(GRADE*: Level of evidence = low, Strength of recommendation = strong)

NB Patients on long-term medication may develop sensitivity reactions which may be to active ingredients or to preservative systems (see Clinical Management Guideline on Conjunctivitis Medicamentosa). They should be switched to unpreserved preparations

Eroded concretions leading to irritation can be removed at the slit lamp

• topical anaesthetic
• tease out with sterile hypodermic needle (keeping needle tangential to eye surface to minimise risk of accidental injury), or with needlepoint forceps
• any bleeding should respond quickly to finger pressure on the lid - (N.B. check first that patient has no bleeding disorder and is not taking aspirin or anti-coagulants)
• consider topical antibiotic as prophylactic (e.g. gutt. or oc. chloramphenicol)

(GRADE*: Level of evidence = low, Strength of recommendation = weak)

When undertaking invasive procedures, optometrists should ensure that appropriate medical malpractice (professional indemnity) insurance and clinical governance arrangements are in place and the College of Optometrists guidance on expanded scope of practice is followed.

No specific drug treatment available
Topical anaesthetic and antibiotic for minor surgery as above
(GRADE*: Level of evidence = low, Strength of recommendation = weak)
 

Management category

B3: management to resolution

Possible management in secondary care or local primary/community pathways where available

Additional guidance may be available

Not normally required

Concretions if multiple can be removed under local anaesthesia using a small chalazion curette

Evidence base

*GRADE: Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation  (www.gradingworkinggroup.org)
 

Sources of evidence

Chang SW, Hou PK, Chen MS. Conjunctival concretions. Polarized microscopic, histopathologic, and ultrastructural studies. Arch Ophthalmol. 1990;108(3):405-7.

Haicl P, Janková H. Prevalence of conjunctival concretions. Cesk Slov Oftalmol. 2005;61(4):260-4 [Article in Czech]

Kulshrestha MK, Thaller VT. Prevalence of conjunctival concretions. Eye (Lond). 1995;9(6):797-8

Lam D, Wong EL, Agar A, Coroneo MT, Francis IC. Curettage for copious conjunctival concretions. Cureus. 2020;12(11):e11742

Last updated

Concretions Version 8
Date of search 10.12.23
Date of revision 29.03.24
Date of publication 09.04.24
Date for review 09.12.25
© College of Optometrists