Intrastromal nonpigmented epithelial cyst of the iris

A histologically proven nonpigmented epithelial cyst of the iris in a 17-year-old girl is described. The recurrent cyst, removed by sector iridectomy, was lined with one to multiple cell layers of non-pigmented epithelum with scattered goblet cells resembling the conjunctival epithelium. The patient’s history revealed an earlier excision of an iris cyst in 1979. The controversy involving the cause and tissue origin of this cyst is discussed. Since rupture of an iris cyst can cause recurrence, we suggest that such cysts be removed in toto by sector iridectomy or iridocyclectorny if the lesion is enlarging.