Management of an intrastromal corneal epithelial cyst, from simple drainage to keratoplasty

Abstract

It is believed that the first stage in pathogenesis of a corneal epithelial cyst is the displacement of epithelial cells into corneal stroma. The subsequent proliferation of these epithelial cells may form an intrastromal cyst that is outlined by squamous epithelium. Trauma and developmental causes have been proposed in the pathogenesis of corneal cysts, of which the former seems more plausible. [1-3] In approximately 50% of the reported cases a specific traumatic event was present by which epithelial cells were introduced into corneal stroma. [4] Even in cases without noticeable history of corneal trauma, an undetected minor injury in the past can be considered. [5] These rare lesions may sometimes present as a corneoscleral cyst. Corneal cysts may occur in a wide range of age, from birth to late adulthood. [1-5]