A dermoid cyst is a benign, congenital tissue growth consisting of displaced skin components (such as skin, hair, or fatty tissue) in an unusual location. Around the eyes, dermoid cysts are among the more common benign tumors in childhood.
Orbital dermoid cysts form on the bones of the eye socket and usually appear as smooth, movable, egg-shaped nodules under the skin — typically at the outer edge of the eyebrow or at the inner corner of the eye. They are usually painless and grow slowly.
These dermoid cysts sit directly on the eye surface, usually at the transition between the cornea and conjunctiva (limbus). They appear as whitish-yellow, slightly raised nodules and are visible at birth.
Dermoid cysts arise during embryonic development when tissue components are deposited in the wrong location. The exact cause is unknown. It is not a malignant condition, and dermoid cysts do not grow larger than the space they occupy.
Orbital dermoid cysts are usually removed surgically. The main reason is prevention: if a cyst ruptures spontaneously, its contents can trigger a pronounced inflammatory reaction in the surrounding tissue. In addition, many parents request removal for cosmetic reasons. The procedure is performed under anesthesia.
These cysts are only operated on if they impair vision (e.g., through astigmatism or amblyopia), cause discomfort, or are bothersome for cosmetic reasons. Small, inconspicuous limbal dermoid cysts can be observed as long as visual development is not at risk.
If you notice a lump in the eyebrow area or an unusual spot on your child's eye, we recommend a prompt visit to the ophthalmologist. Diagnosis is usually straightforward, and the next steps — observation or surgery — can be discussed together. Regular checks of visual acuity and refraction are particularly important for limbal dermoid cysts to detect amblyopia early.