Epithelial implantation cyst of the iris

Following a penetrating eye injury, a 12-year-old girl presented with an enlarging epithelial cyst of the iris. The cyst was excised completely. Epithelial cysts arise after injury or operation from implantation or ingrowth of corneal or conjunctival epithelium. The cyst wall is composed of corneal or conjunctival epithelium, and the cyst contents may be clear or turbid. While generally more benign than the sheet-like epithelial ingrowth, cysts may lead to visual loss by growth into the visual axis, effects upon the lens, or by causing uveitis and glaucoma. Although excision is the preferred treatment, therapeutic alternatives include photocoagulation and chemical cautery.