Management of Limbal Dermoids by Simple Excision in Young Children

To report the visual outcomes, refractive results, and complications of simple excision for limbal dermoid in the first 8 years of life.

This retrospective chart review included all children aged 8 years or younger who underwent excision of a grade I or II limbal dermoid without involvement of the visual axis between the years 2000 and 2019.

Nineteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 4.2 ± 2.0 years (age range: 9 months to 8 years). The mean change in visual acuity was +1 ± 2.3 lines. The mean astigmatism was 3.20 ± 1.80 diopters (D) preoperatively and 3.50 ± 2.20 D at the last visit; the mean change in the astigmatism power was +0.20 ± 1.20 D (range: -1.50 to +2.75 D). Epithelial healing occurred in a mean of 8 days. No complications such as perforation were encountered. All patients had a good cosmetic outcome.

Reepithelialization led to good cosmetic outcomes after this quick, simple, and uncomplicated procedure. There was no significant change in visual acuity or astigmatism, so amblyopia and astigmatism reduction are poor indications for limbal dermoid excision. Families should be counseled preoperatively that correction of the astigmatism and patching will remain essential in the postoperative management of amblyopia. [.