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Eye cysts can be of several different types, both inside the eye and on the lid. Treatment is determined by the cause, location, and character of the cyst. A cyst inside the eye on the retina, depending on its size and location, can cause partial loss of vision and retinal detachment. Sometimes a small cyst or hole develops in the center of the macula (MACK-you-luh), the most important part of the retina, which is responsible for central vision. A macular cyst can result in anything from no change in vision to a total loss of central vision. The cause of macular cysts is unknown, and they progress slowly, if at all. Treatment has been met with limited success, although both laser and surgical treatments have been attempted. Cysts on your eyelid can include chalazia (shuh-LAY-zee-uh), styes, and marginal cysts. A chalazion, which comes from the Greek word for hailstone, is a cyst on a gland inside the lid, usually the result of a blocked duct. It may cause astigmatism (uh-STIG-muh-tiz-um) and consequent blurring of vision. Treatment consists of hot compresses and an antibiotic ointment. If it's excessively large or disturbing the vision, it can be removed under local anesthesia. Recurring chalazia may suggest an underlying problem, such as blepharitis (blef-uh-RYE-tis), a chronic eye condition, or a skin disorder. A stye is an infection of a lash follicle, and it's often confused with a chalazion. Unlike a chalazion, there may be a head of pus, and it's usually smaller in size. Styes are also treated with hot compresses to help discharge the infection, along with application of antibiotic ointment. Marginal cysts may develop on the sweat glands and lipid-secreting glands. If they're not causing any problems, no treatment is indicated, although they may be removed under local anesthesia for cosmetic reasons.
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