Common warts (verruca vulgaris) are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). They are frequently transmitted person to person through exposure to the virus. They can occur virtually on any epidermal surface, including mucosal surfaces. May occur in tattoos. Warts are more common in the immunocompromised.

They may also occur on the eyelid and conjunctiva. Subtypes 6, 11, 16, 18, and 45 have been detected in both benign and malignant lesions of the conjunctiva. HPV types 16 and 18 are commonly associated with not only high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive carcinoma but also squamous cell dysplasia and carcinoma of the conjunctiva.

Children and young adults commonly get warts. An infected mother can sometimes pass the virus to her newborn during vaginal delivery. The papilloma is usually painless and rarely causes any visual problems due to irritation. Those with a history of warts on other parts of the body are at increased risk for conjunctival papillomas. Limbal papillomas are more often seen in adults. Malignant transformation of conjunctival papillomas is very rare.