Name of the Procedure:

Incision of Conjunctiva, Drainage of Cyst

• Common names: Conjunctival Cyst Drainage, Conjunctival Incision for Cyst Drainage

Summary

In this procedure, a small incision is made in the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye) to drain a cyst that has formed. This helps relieve discomfort and prevent further complications.

Purpose

This procedure addresses cysts that form on the conjunctiva, which can cause irritation, discomfort, or vision problems. The goal is to remove the cyst's contents to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Indications

• Presence of a visible cyst on the conjunctiva
• Persistent irritation, redness, or discomfort in the eye
• Obstruction of vision due to the cyst
• Cysts that do not respond to conservative treatments

Preparation

• Patients may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
• Fasting is not typically required.
• An eye exam will likely be performed to assess the cyst and overall eye health.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, usually lying down.
2. Topical anesthetic drops are administered to numb the eye.
3. The area around the cyst is sterilized.
4. A small incision is made in the conjunctiva using a fine surgical blade.
5. The cyst is carefully drained and any remaining sac material may be removed.
6. The incision site is treated to minimize bleeding and promote healing.
7. An antibiotic or anti-inflammatory ointment may be applied to prevent infection.

Duration

The procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is typically performed in an outpatient clinic or a specialized ophthalmology office.

Personnel

• Ophthalmic surgeon or eye specialist
• Ophthalmic nurse or assistant

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the incision site
• Bleeding
• Recurrence of the cyst
• Scarring or damage to the conjunctiva
• Rare risk of affecting vision

Benefits

• Relief from discomfort, irritation, and redness
• Improved vision if the cyst was obstructing sight
• Quick procedure with minimal downtime

Recovery

• Patients may need to apply antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drops or ointments as prescribed.
• Avoid rubbing the eye to prevent irritation.
• Usually, recovery is quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary to ensure proper healing and to check for recurrence.

Alternatives

• Observation if the cyst is small and not causing significant symptoms
• Aspiration using a fine needle in less severe cases
• Medications to reduce inflammation

Patient Experience

Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure due to the use of anesthetic drops. Post-procedure, there might be mild soreness or redness, which generally resolves quickly. Pain management is typically straightforward with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Comfort measures include using prescribed eye drops and avoiding strenuous activities that might stress the eye.