What is a conjunctival cyst?
A cyst is by definition a benign swelling (=tumour) filled with fluid. The conjunctival cyst is a cyst that occurs on the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctival cyst develops from the same tissue that makes up the conjunctiva itself. This is the so-called conjunctival epithelium. This cell material forms a transparent and clear cavity in the conjunctiva, which is filled with fluid.
The causes
A conjunctival cyst usually develops after an injury to the conjunctiva. It can be caused by an eye operation and affects mainly older people, who are operated on the eye comparatively more often than younger people. An injury caused by a foreign body, such as splinters in an accident, can also be the cause of a conjunctival cyst.
After injury to the conjunctiva, the body begins to form new cell material at the affected area. New conjunctival cells are thus formed. However, malformations can occur, so that the conjunctiva is built up differently than before.
This can result in scars or conjunctival cysts on the conjunctiva. In this case the body forms several layers instead of a simple conjunctival layer, between which a cavity is created. Since the conjunctiva is involved in the formation of tear fluid, fluid can quickly become trapped in this cavity, so that a cyst develops.
By definition, conjunctival cysts are always benign, so there is no risk of degeneration. As a rule, a conjunctival cyst does not change after its formation, so it does not grow any further. .
The symptoms
A conjunctival cyst is usually conspicuous by a foreign body sensation in the eye. The conjunctival cyst is caused by an injury to the conjunctiva. This area does not heal properly and swells due to the accumulation of fluid.
This accumulation of fluid is considered foreign and leads to these symptoms. The foreign body sensation can be particularly noticeable during eye movements. Even when you close your eyes, the eyelid can feel the swelling around the eye and give the body the feedback that there is something foreign around the eye.
Other symptoms of a conjunctival cyst usually only occur when the cyst is located at an unfavourable site. For example, a cyst that is located at the edge of the eye can be moved under the eyelid during eye movements. This can lead to an increased sensation of foreign bodies.
In rare cases, the cyst may also cause movement restrictions. If the cyst lies directly in front of the pupil, visual disturbances can be triggered. Usually the conjunctival cyst has a clear structure, so that light rays can also pass through the cyst into the eye. However, the conjunctival cyst changes the superficial structure of the eye, which causes the incoming light rays to be refracted differently. This leads to a distorted perception of light and thus to blurred vision.
