An eye lesion is any abnormal change, growth, or damage to tissues in or around the eye. These can appear as bumps, lumps, or other irregularities. They may affect various parts of the eye, from the outer surface like the eyelids and conjunctiva to internal structures such as the cornea, retina, or optic nerve.
Types of Eye Lesions
Eye lesions can affect distinct anatomical regions. On the eyelids, common lesions include chalazion, a firm, painless lump from a blocked oil gland, and styes, painful, red bumps caused by bacterial infection. Benign growths like seborrheic keratosis (greasy, dark patches) and xanthelasma (yellowish cholesterol deposits) also occur. More serious eyelid lesions include basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma, a more aggressive malignancy.
Lesions can also appear on the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and lining the eyelids. Examples include pinguecula, a yellowish, raised growth, and pterygium, a fleshy tissue growth that can extend onto the cornea. Conjunctival cysts (non-cancerous fluid-filled sacs) and pigmented lesions like conjunctival melanosis or, rarely, malignant melanoma, are also found here. The cornea, the eye’s clear outer dome, can develop lesions such as ulcers (open sores often caused by infection) or keratitis, an inflammation that can impair vision.
Deeper within the eye, the retina, the light-sensitive tissue, can be affected by conditions like choroidal nevi, which are benign pigmented spots. Retinoblastoma, a rare childhood cancer, and ocular melanoma, a form of cancer affecting various parts of the eye, are serious internal lesions. Abnormal growths can also occur in the orbit, the bony socket surrounding the eye. These orbital lesions include cysts, vascular lesions, and tumors that may be benign or malignant, sometimes causing the eye to bulge.
Causes and Related Symptoms
Eye lesions develop from various factors, often with observable signs. Infections, caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, are frequent culprits. Bacterial infections can lead to conjunctivitis (redness and discharge) or styes (painful, swollen bumps). Viral infections like herpes simplex can cause keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, resulting in pain and light sensitivity.
Trauma to the eye can also result in lesions. This includes corneal abrasions (scratches on the eye’s surface) which cause pain, tearing, and light sensitivity. Foreign bodies, chemical burns, or blunt force injuries can lead to visible damage and discomfort, sometimes with bleeding or swelling.
Inflammation, an immune response, contributes to many eye lesions. Conditions like uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, can cause eye pain, redness, and blurry vision. Blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelid margins, often presents with redness and itching.
Systemic diseases, affecting the entire body, can also manifest as eye lesions. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, involves damage to retinal blood vessels, potentially leading to vision loss. Autoimmune conditions like Behçet’s disease or sarcoidosis can cause inflammation and lesions throughout the eye. Degenerative conditions, often associated with aging or environmental exposure, are another cause. Prolonged UV light exposure can contribute to pinguecula and pterygium, growths on the conjunctiva that may cause irritation or interfere with vision.
Growths and tumors, both non-cancerous and cancerous, represent a significant category. Benign growths like cysts or papillomas may appear as visible lumps on or around the eye. Malignant tumors, such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma, may present as new or changing spots, sometimes with alterations in eye appearance or vision. Symptoms like a visible bump, changes in skin color or texture, pain, itching, or interference with vision should prompt evaluation.
Diagnosis and Management
Identifying eye lesions begins with a thorough eye examination. An ophthalmologist uses specialized tools like a slit lamp to examine the eye’s front structures, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea. This allows for precise assessment of the lesion’s size, shape, and characteristics. For deeper lesions, an ophthalmoscope may be used to view the retina and optic nerve.
Beyond the initial exam, various diagnostic tools confirm the nature of a lesion. Imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT) provide cross-sectional views of retinal structures. Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may be used for deeper lesions or those affecting the orbit. For suspected infections, laboratory tests from swabs can identify causative microorganisms. If a growth is concerning, a biopsy (tissue sample for microscopic analysis) is often performed to determine if it is benign or malignant.
Management of eye lesions varies based on diagnosis, location, and severity. Medications are a primary treatment. Bacterial infections are often treated with antibiotic eye drops or oral antibiotics, while viral infections may require antiviral medications. Anti-inflammatory steroid drops or oral steroids can reduce swelling and irritation. For certain autoimmune-related inflammations, immunosuppressants may be prescribed.
Various procedures and surgical interventions are also employed. Warm compresses are an effective treatment for conditions like chalazion and styes, helping to unblock glands and reduce inflammation. Laser therapy can be used for specific retinal conditions or to remove certain growths.
Cryotherapy, which uses freezing temperatures, may be applied to destroy abnormal cells, particularly in some conjunctival or eyelid lesions. Surgical removal is often necessary for larger growths, tumors, or lesions that affect vision or cause significant discomfort. Following treatment, supportive care, such as pain management and protective eyewear, may be recommended to aid healing and prevent recurrence.