[Cysts of ciliary body epithelium]

Among 1352 eyes examined histopathologically, ciliary body epithelial cysts were found in 198 eyes. The cysts can be divided into 3 types: non-pigmented epithelial, pigmented epithelial and intra-epithelial cysts, the non-pigmented epithelial cysts being the most commonly seen. The former 2 types are formed by the proliferation of the inner and outer layer of the optic cup respectively and the formation of the latter one is related to the separation of the 2 layers of the cup. The cysts can be single or multiple, at most 14 non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cysts with 2 iris epithelial cysts being present in one eye. The incidence of ciliary epithelial cysts is as high as 14.6%. Because of the hidden position, clinical doctors seldom notice them. They can be misdiagnosed as melanoma, they can cause secondary glaucoma and localized cataract and they can be detached spontaneously. Therefore, clinical doctors ought to pay attention to this disease.