eMedicine Specialties > Ophthalmology > Cornea

Dermoid, Limbal: Treatment & Medication

Author: Mark D Sherman, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine; Private Practice, Central Coast Eye Associates
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Aug 2, 2007

Treatment

Surgical Care

  • Treatment of limbal dermoids may consist of periodic removal of irritating cilia, topical lubrication to prevent foreign body sensation, or excision of the lesion if it is causing significant cosmetic disfigurement or interfering with vision.
  • Surgical treatment should be instituted only when the risk of subsequent scar formation or surgical complications are outweighed by the likelihood of improving the patient's vision or cosmetic appearance.
  • A superficial sclerokeratectomy, cutting flush with the surface of the globe, is the procedure of choice for removal of the dermoid. Excised tissue always should be sent to the pathologist for examination.
  • Attempts at complete removal are unnecessary. The lesion may extend into the deeper structures of the eye and the risk of perforation increases if attempts are made to remove the lesion completely.
  • The exposed sclera should be covered by relaxing the adjacent conjunctiva and sewing it into the scleral defect. If a deep excision is necessary, then a lamellar keratoplasty can be performed to reinforce the site of excision.

Consultations

  • Obtaining a thorough family and medical history helps determine whether further consultation is necessary.
  • In some cases, referral to a pediatrician with specialization in genetics is appropriate.

More on Dermoid, Limbal

Overview: Dermoid, Limbal
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Dermoid, Limbal
Treatment & Medication: Dermoid, Limbal
Follow-up: Dermoid, Limbal
Multimedia: Dermoid, Limbal
References
[ CLOSE WINDOW ]

References

  1. Baum JL, Feingold M. Ocular aspects of Goldenhar's syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol. Feb 1973;75(2):250-7. [Medline].

  2. Duke-Elder S. System of Ophthalmology: Congenital and Developmental Anomalies. Vol 3. 1963:488-495.

  3. Henkind P, Marinoff G, Manas A, Friedman A. Bilateral corneal dermoids. Am J Ophthalmol. Dec 1973;76(6):972-7. [Medline].

  4. Mann I. Developmental Abnormalities of the Eye. 1957:357-364.

  5. Mansour AM, Barber JC, Reinecke RD, Wang FM. Ocular choristomas. Surv Ophthalmol. Mar-Apr 1989;33(5):339-58. [Medline].

  6. Yanoff M, Fine B. Ocular Pathology. 1982:316-317.

[ CLOSE WINDOW ]

Further Reading

[ CLOSE WINDOW ]

Keywords

dermoid, dermoid choristoma, dermoid cyst, epibulbar dermoid, epibulbar choristoma, corneal dermoid

[ CLOSE WINDOW ]

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Mark D Sherman, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine; Private Practice, Central Coast Eye Associates
Mark D Sherman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and American Uveitis Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Andrew W. Lawton, MD, Medical Director of Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, Section of Ophthalmology, Baptist Eye Center, Baptist Health Medical Center
Andrew W. Lawton, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Arkansas Medical Society, and Southern Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Simon K Law, MD, PharmD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute; Chief of Section of Ophthalmology Surgical Services, Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, West Los Angeles
Simon K Law, MD, PharmD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, and Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

J James Rowsey, MD, Director of Corneal Services, St Luke's Cataract and Laser Institute, Florida
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Lance L Brown, OD, MD, Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Hampton Roy Sr, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
HONcode

We subscribe to the
HONcode principles of the
Health On the Net Foundation

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright© 1994- by Medscape.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.