Clinical study of histologically proven conjunctival cysts

PURPOSE: This is a clinco-histopathological study of different varieties of conjunctival cysts where modification of surgical technique was done as per requirement for intact removal of cysts to minimise recurrence rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 40 cases of conjunctival cysts. A thorough ocular examination and basic haematological work up was done for all patients. B-scan USG and MRI was done wherever required to see the posterior extent. All patients underwent surgical excision of cyst followed by histo-pathological examination. RESULTS: The various types of conjunctival cysts found in our study were primary inclusion cyst 12 (30%), secondary inclusion cyst 6 (15%), pterygium with cysts 15 (37.5%), parasitic cyst 4 (10%), lymphatic cyst 2 (5%), and orbital cyst with rudimentary eye 1 (2.5%). The common symptoms noted were progressive increase in size of cyst (39.45%), cosmetic disfigurement (26.23%), foreign body sensations (27.86%), proptosis (1.6%), ocular motility restrictions (3.2%) and decreased visual acuity (1.6%). The patients were followed till one year after surgical excision for any recurrence and complications and no recurrence was seen. CONCLUSION: Careful and intact removal of conjunctival cyst is important to prevent recurrence. Minor modifications in surgical technique according to the size, site and nature of cyst help in intact removal and prevent recurrence.