How to reduce conjunctival cyst formation after strabismus surgery?

Purpose: To determine our rate of conjunctival cyst developing after strabismus surgery and to minimize its formation.

Materials and methods: The data of 4026 eyes of 2662 patients were included in our retrospective analysis of, those that underwent strabismus surgery at the Beyoğlu Eye Training and Research Hospital Strabismus Unit between 2015 and 2021. Clinical characteristics and follow-up data of patients were recorded together with age, sex, and operation type. All patients were examined postoperatively on 1st day, 1st month and 6th month.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 15.66 ± 11.81 (1-59 years). While two eyes were operated on in 1494 patients, one eye was operated on in 1168 patients. The surgeries performed were recession and/or resection of the horizontal and vertical rectus muscles and inferior and superior oblique procedures. The conjunctival cyst was detected in 11 patients postoperatively between 20 days and 8 months. The cyst was detected on the nasal side in 7 cases and temporal in 4.

Conclusion: Conjunctival cyst is a rare complication after strabismus surgery and it is thought to be caused by a proliferation of the conjunctival epithelium. In addition to proper closure of the conjunctiva, attention to personal hygiene, avoidance of contacts that may increase suture contamination, and attention to the fact that the operation period is not long are actions that can help prevent conjunctival cyst formation.