Dermoid

By Admin, March 1, 2013

What is a dermoid?

A dermoid is an overgrowth of normal, non-cancerous tissue in an abnormal location. Dermoids occur all over the body. The ones in and around the eye are usually comprised of skin structures and fat.

Where are dermoids found around the eyes?

There are two main dermoid types that occur on or around the eyes. An orbital dermoid is typically found in association with the bones of the eye socket. An epibulbar dermoid is found on the surface of the eye, either at the junction of the cornea and sclera (limbal epibulbar dermoid).

Do dermoids need to be removed?

Sometimes dermoids can cause vision loss in the affected eye. There is also a small risk that orbital dermoids can rupture and cause an inflammatory reaction. For these reasons your pediatric ophthalmologist / Child eye specialist may recommend that the dermoid be removed.

Where are limbal dermoids usually found?

They are found on the surface of the eye one the cornea or at the junction of the cornea and sclera.

Do limbal dermoids need to be removed?

Because they can cause eye irritation and because the appearance is abnormal, epibulbar dermoids are usually removed.

How are limbal dermoids removed?

The dermoids are cut flush with the surface of the eye. Sometimes the dermoid extends into the sclera and/or the cornea and care must be taken to avoid entering the eye when excising them. After excision, the site where the dermoid lay can be covered by a piece of transplanted cornea.

Do limbal dermoids cause vision loss?

Occasionally the dermoid is so large that it blocks visual input from entering the eye. More often however, the vision loss occurs because the presence of the dermoid causes the cornea of the affected eye to have an irregular shape, which causes large amount of astigmatism and a blurred image and thus development of amblyopia.

Are limbal dermoids associated with other diseases?

Yes, sometimes. They can be found in persons with Goldenhar syndrome and encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis etc.

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