A New Simple Technique for Removal of Subconjunctival Cyst under the Slit Lamp Microscope

PURPOSE: We present a new simple technique to remove subconjunctival cyst under the slit lamp microscope. CASE SUMMARY: A cotton swab was used to verify whether or not the cyst was freely movable under the conjunctiva. After topical anesthesia, we incised the conjunctiva near the cyst using a 30-gauge needle and extracted the cyst through the wound using forceps under the slit lamp microscope. Four cases of subconjunctival cyst were successfully removed with our new technique. During the average five month (2-10 month) follow-up period, there was no recurrence or procedure-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Some subconjunctival cysts such as an epithelial inclusion cyst which is freely movable without attachment to surrounding tissues can be easily removed with a 30-gauge needle and forceps under the slit lamp microscope. This could be considered as the primary procedure instead of simple aspiration.

Cyst of accessory lacrimal gland

When a patient is presented with a subconjunctival cyst, it is not only hard to reveal its true nature clinically but also easy to rupture during excision. We experienced cases with cysts of the accessory lacrimal gland in two patients with subconjunctival cysts. They had lid swelling at initial presentation and underwent surgical excision of subconjunctival cysts located in superior portion of the upper tarsal plate. The lining of these cysts composed of ductal epithelia. Biochemical analyses for serum and cystic fluid were performed in one case, in which was found high Ig A titer in the cystic fluid. These cysts seemed to originate from the duct of Wolfring's accessory lacrimal gland, considering their anatomic locations and pathologic findings. Complete removal of the cyst is important, because recurrences have been reported in cases of incomplete removal or simple aspiration.