Management of epithelial ingrowth and cysts

In 12 consecutive cases of epithelial ingrowth operated on during the past 50 months, therapy included photocoagulation on the iris followed by excision of involved iris tissue and vitreous gel by means of instruments designed for vitreous surgery. Epithelium remaining on the posterior surface of the cornea, the ciliary body, and in the anterior chamber was destroyed by controlled transcorneal and transscleral cryotherapy. An intraocular air bubble was used to provide an insulating effect and a more effective, controllable freeze. All patients except two had improved vision postoperatively, and 3 of the 12 patients has postoperative visual acuity of 6/12 (20/40) or better. Similar closed-eye cryodestructive techniques have been used for treatment of enlarging epithelial cysts.