EPITHELIAL IMPLANTATION CYSTS OF THE UPPER EYELID AFTER LID-LOWERING PROCEDURES

Purpose: Epithelial inclusion cysts are benign lesions that have been described after intraocular and intraorbital surgery or trauma. The au thors determine the rate of occurrence and characteristics of epitheli al implantation cysts after upper eyelid-lowering procedures using a p osterior conjunctival incision. Method. The records of 109 upper eyeli d-lowering cases over a 9-year period that had an internal incision we re reviewed retrospectively. Any cysts removed were sent for histopath ologic examination. Results: The incidence of cyst development was fou nd to be 2.75%. The cysts were small and remained under 4 mm over time . Histopathologic findings of the two epithelial cysts removed suggest ed a conjunctival origin. The development of cysts did not correlate w ith length and difficulty of the procedure. Conclusion: Epithelial imp lantation cysts of the eyelid after posterior approach levator recessi on procedures are rare (2.75% incidence). However, they often require surgical excision due to their conspicuous location. Their origin is p robably the conjunctival epithelium implanted while manipulating the c onjunctival incision edge.