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Spontaneous collapse of an iris stromal cyst in a young child
Nathalie E Perez1, Sugi Panneerselvam1, Ta Chen Peter Chang1
1Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
Insights
A rare iris stromal cyst in a 4-month-old girl spontaneously resolved. Observation is a viable option for iris stromal cysts if they do not obstruct vision or cause complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
Background:
- Iris stromal cysts are rare congenital or acquired lesions within the iris.
- This case involves a 4-month-old infant presenting with a large iris stromal cyst.
Observation:
- Examination under anesthesia (EUA) revealed a large iris stromal cyst involving the angle and pupillary border.
- The cyst touched the corneal endothelium and anterior lens capsule, but intraocular pressure and refractive error were normal.
- The pupil was partially occluded, but a clear red reflex was present, prompting observation and amblyopia management.
Findings:
- A repeat EUA at 6 months showed spontaneous collapse of the iris stromal cyst.
- At 2-year follow-up, there was no recurrence, and the visual axis remained largely unobstructed.
Implications:
- Spontaneous resolution of iris stromal cysts can occur, supporting observation as a management strategy.
- Observation is particularly suitable for cysts not causing anterior segment complications or visual axis obstruction.
- Continued monitoring for cyst progression, anisometropia, and amblyopia is essential in pediatric cases.
Abstract:
A 4-month-old girl was referred for evaluation of an anterior chamber cyst in the left eye. Examination under anesthesia (EUA) revealed a large iris stromal cyst in the anterior chamber involving the angle and the pupillary border, with touch of the corneal endothelium and anterior lens capsule. Intraocular pressure was normal. There was no anisometropic refractive error by retinoscopy. Close observation with amblyopia management was recommended as the pupil was only partially occluded by the cyst, and there was a clear red reflex around the cyst. Repeat EUA 6 months following diagnosis showed spontaneous collapse of the cyst. There was no recurrence noted at her most recent follow-up, 2 years after presentation, and most of the pupillary axis remains unobstructed by the cyst. The patient continues to be followed to monitor for possible cyst progression, anisometropia, and development of amblyopia. Though rare, spontaneous resolution of an iris stromal cyst may occur and thus, observation may be considered, particularly if the cyst is not causing anterior segment complications or obstruction of the visual axis.
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