Limbal Dermoid Removal

Limbal dermoid removal is a specialized ophthalmic surgical procedure performed at Moolchand Hospital, recognized among the top ophthalmology hospitals in Delhi. A limbal dermoid is a benign congenital choristoma — a tumor-like growth containing normal tissue elements (such as skin, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and connective tissue) in an abnormal location — situated at the limbus, the transitional zone between the transparent cornea and the white sclera.

Limbal dermoids are present from birth and are typically unilateral, appearing as a yellowish-white, smooth, elevated mass at the inferotemporal limbus. They may be associated with Goldenhar syndrome (oculoauricolovertebral spectrum) in a significant proportion of cases. While they are benign and do not transform malignantly, they cause problems through several mechanisms — irregular corneal astigmatism from mass effect on the cornea causing amblyopia (lazy eye) in children, chronic ocular surface irritation and foreign body sensation, cosmetic disfigurement causing psychosocial distress, and in larger dermoids — direct visual axis involvement impairing central vision.

Surgical excision is the definitive treatment and is recommended when the dermoid causes significant astigmatism, visual impairment, amblyopia risk, persistent irritation, or cosmetic concern. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia in children or local anaesthesia in cooperative adults, using an operating microscope for magnification.

The dermoid is carefully excised at its base by lamellar (superficial) keratosclerectomy — removing the dermoid flush with the ocular surface while minimizing disruption to the underlying corneal stroma. Larger or deeper dermoids involving the anterior corneal stroma may require a lamellar keratoplasty (partial thickness corneal graft) to fill the resultant defect and restore corneal contour and transparency. Conjunctival advancement or an amniotic membrane graft may be used to cover the scleral portion of the excision site.

At Moolchand Hospital in Lajpat Nagar Delhi, our ophthalmology team provides comprehensive evaluation and surgical management of limbal dermoids, with careful post-operative amblyopia management (including spectacle correction and patching therapy) in children to maximize visual outcomes.