Surgical Therapy for Idiopathic Pigmented Intravitreal Cyst

Background

Vitreous cysts are rare ocular malformations which are classified into non-pigmented congenital cysts and a secondary pigmented type which is much more frequently seen. The former is believed to be a remnant of the hyaloid vascular system and appears grey or pearly and is usually located in the posterior vitreous, sometimes fixed to the surface of the optic disc. Pigmented cysts arise from the iris or ciliary body pigment epithelium [1]. They may get dislodged and migrate into the anterior chamber, into the vitreous or they can be fixed in the anterior chamber angle. These cysts are usually oval and brown. Congenital cysts usually remain unchanged for a long period of time but they have been reported to grow over several years [2]. They are not associated with concomitant or previous eye pathology. Acquired cysts may be due to ocular trauma, inflammatory diseases such as toxoplasmosis [3] or intermediate uveitis [4]. They can also be associated with degenerative diseases of the retina and choroid, such as high myopia with uveal coloboma [5] and retinal detachment [6]. Vitreous cysts are usually detected during routine ophthalmological examination or when they migrate into the visual axis and create visual disturbance.

• References

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