What is a dermoid?
Dermoid cysts are benign, but weird, growths. Think of them as pockets of normal tissue that pop up in unusual spots. Because they’re made of normal tissue, they can contain things like skin, hair follicles, and even teeth!
When these dermoid cysts grow around the eye, they can affect your vision and how you look. A dermoid in eye area can be located in several different places, each with its own set of characteristics and treatment options.
This article will cover orbital dermoids (those located in the eye socket), epibulbar dermoids (also called dermolipomas), and limbal dermoids (those found on the edge of the cornea). We’ll explore what these dermoids look like and what can be done about them.
Understanding Dermoid Cysts: What, Where, and Why
What is a dermoid cyst?
Dermoid cysts are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that are composed of fully developed tissues like skin, hair follicles, and glands that produce oil and sweat.
Dermoid cysts are congenital, meaning people are born with them. They form from leftover embryonic tissue that gets trapped during development in the womb.
Where are dermoids found around the eyes?
Around the eyes, dermoid cysts can occur in the eye socket (orbit), on the surface of the eye itself, or at the limbus (where the cornea meets the sclera or white part of the eye).
Where the dermoid is located affects how it looks, what symptoms it causes, and how it should be treated.
Orbital Dermoid Cysts: Deep Within the Socket
Dermoid cysts can also occur deeper in the eye socket, in an area known as the orbit. These are called orbital dermoids.
Location and appearance of orbital dermoids
These cysts are usually found in the upper, outer region of the eye socket. You may notice a mass that you can feel when you touch it. It usually isn’t painful.
Symptoms and potential complications
Larger orbital dermoid cysts can cause proptosis, a bulging of the eye. You might also experience double vision if the cyst is affecting the muscles that control your eye movements.
Treatment of orbital dermoids
The main treatment for orbital dermoids is surgical removal. The surgeon has to be extremely careful during the procedure to avoid damaging any of the structures surrounding the cyst.
Are orbital dermoids found with other diseases?
Yes, sometimes orbital dermoids are found along with certain genetic syndromes. If your doctor finds an orbital dermoid, they may want to test for other conditions as well.
Epibulbar dermoid cysts (dermolipomas): On the surface of the eye
Epibulbar dermoids are a type of dermoid cyst that occurs on the surface of the eye. Here’s a look at their location, appearance, and treatment.
Location and appearance of epibulbar dermoids
These dermoids are usually found on the surface of the eye, often in the outer corner. Typically, they appear as soft, movable masses that are yellowish-white in color.
Symptoms and potential complications
Usually, epibulbar dermoids are a cosmetic concern, since they’re visible on the eye. In most cases, they don’t have much of an impact on vision unless they’re very large.
Treatment of epibulbar dermoids
If an epibulbar dermoid is small and doesn’t cause any symptoms, your doctor may simply monitor it over time. Larger dermoids or those that cause symptoms may be removed surgically.
Are epibulbar dermoids seen with other diseases?
Sometimes, epibulbar dermoids are associated with certain genetic syndromes. If your doctor diagnoses you with an epibulbar dermoid, they may want to test you for other conditions as well.
Limbal Dermoid Cysts: At the Corneal-Scleral Junction
Limbal dermoids are often found where the cornea and sclera meet.
What do limbal dermoids look like?
A limbal dermoid usually looks like a raised, yellowish-white lesion, and it may even contain hair.
Symptoms and Potential Complications
A limbal dermoid can distort the surface of the cornea and cause astigmatism. Untreated, it can also lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) in children, and it can cause irritation and discomfort.
Treatment of Limbal Dermoids
Often, doctors recommend surgical removal of a limbal dermoid to prevent vision loss.
A procedure called lamellar keratectomy may be used to remove the superficial layers of the cornea that contain the dermoid.
Does the Risk of Vision Loss Go Away After the Limbal Dermoid is Removed?
If amblyopia develops, early intervention is key for successful treatment.
Are Limbal Dermoids Seen with Other Diseases?
Yes, limbal dermoids are associated with Goldenhar syndrome, a rare congenital condition characterized by abnormal development of the eye, ear, and spine.
How are eye dermoids diagnosed?
If you think your child may have a dermoid in their eye, you should talk to a pediatric ophthalmologist. These specialists can make a diagnosis and suggest treatment options.
To diagnose a dermoid, the ophthalmologist will likely perform a thorough eye exam to assess the dermoid’s size, location, and effects on the child’s vision. In some cases, they may also order imaging scans, such as CT scans or MRIs, to evaluate dermoids located deeper in the eye socket.
Putting It All Together
Dermoids in the eye can take different forms. For example, orbital, epibulbar, and limbal dermoids each come with their own set of problems and must be handled carefully.
If you or your child has a dermoid cyst on the eye, it’s important to seek early detection and treatment, especially for limbal dermoids. Finding and treating these dermoids early can prevent vision loss.
Even after treatment, you’ll need regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist to keep an eye out for the dermoid’s return or other complications. Working with a skilled eye doctor is essential to protect your vision and health.