Corneoscleral epithelial cysts: evidence of developmental etiology.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical features, histopathology, surgical management and possible etiopathogenesis of corneoscleral epithelial cysts.


METHODS
Three patients with corneoscleral epithelial cysts underwent surgical ablation of the cysts. Material obtained during surgery was subjected to histopathologic analysis.


RESULTS
At last follow-up (mean, 6.3 months), none of the cysts had recurred. All patients had improved visual acuity. Histopathology revealed the occurrence of glandular elements suggestive of lacrimal tissue in one of the cysts.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of ectopic lacrimal tissue suggests a developmental etiology for such cysts. Marsupialization of the scleral portion of the cyst and chemical ablation of the lining epithelium of the corneal cyst with 20% trichloroacetic acid appears to be a safe and effective technique in the surgical management of corneoscleral epithelial cysts.
Medical and Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, India.
S K
SK
Rao
R
R
Fogla
J
J
Biswas
P
P
Padmanabhan
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000151:congenital* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003560:Cysts / Q000151:congenital* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D015422:Scleral Diseases / Q000151:congenital* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery