What is a conjunctival cyst?

If you've ever looked in the mirror and noticed a tiny, clear bump on the white of your eye, you're not alone. A conjunctival cyst is a small, fluid-filled sac that forms on the conjunctiva, which is the transparent layer that covers the white part of the eye.

The good news? It's benign (noncancerous), and most cases resolve without treatment. However, we can understand why you might be a bit weirded out by your new little friend. Conjunctival cysts come in two varieties:

• Inclusion cysts (80%+ of cases). These cysts form when a layer of the conjunctival tissue folds in on itself (kind of like it's playing its own version of Tetris).

• Retention cysts. Retention cysts form when a duct gets blocked by dust, debris, or allergens. (Move over, runny nose and sneezing—there's a new allergy symptom in town.)

Some people are born with conjunctival cysts (congenital), while others develop them later in life, often without a clear reason (idiopathic). Conjunctival cysts can also form due to surgery, inflammation, or irritation.

In this guide, we'll break down what conjunctival and other cysts are, explain what they feel like, and let you know when it's time to call your eye doctor. You'll also learn whether you can wear contacts if you have a conjunctival cyst. You can stop wondering "What's going on with my eyeball?" and use this information to say, "Okay, I've got this!"

Conjunctival cyst vs. eye cyst

The term eye cyst is often thrown around willy-nilly, but eye cysts and conjunctival cysts are different. "Eye cyst" is a general term used to describe a cyst anywhere in your eye. 

Conjunctival cysts only affect the conjunctiva. Several types of eye growths can pop up out of nowhere, so it's worth getting an eye exam if you notice new lumps or bumps.

Symptoms: What does a conjunctival cyst feel like?

Real talk: A conjunctival cyst makes it feel like you have something stuck in your eye, like an eyelash that just won't go away. This sensation is more prominent when you blink or move your eye (no, you're not imagining things).

Other possible symptoms include:

• Mild irritation or discomfort (not usually sharp pain)

• A small, blister-like bump on the white part of your eye

• Increased tear production (your eye trying to wash away a foreign body that isn't there)

If you have a large conjunctival cyst, you may experience blurred vision or have difficulty closing the affected eye. In some people, the eye even takes on a bulging appearance.

For the lucky ducks of the world, conjunctival cysts may have no symptoms at all. You might not even know you have one until you go in for a routine eye exam.

FYI, these symptoms may overlap with the symptoms of other common eye issues, such as:

• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

• Dry eye syndrome

• Styes

• Chalazia (eyelid bumps caused by blocked oil glands)

• Pterygium (a fleshy growth often caused by UV exposure)

That's why a professional diagnosis matters. Don't let Dr. Google convince you that you have a conjunctival cyst when it could be something else. Get the facts from an eye care professional.

Can you wear contact lenses with a conjunctival cyst?

Short answer: Sometimes.

We know how much you love your contacts, but it depends on the size and location of the cyst as well as whether it's causing symptoms. Instead of popping in your lenses and crossing your fingers, ask your eye care professional if it's safe.

Here's why:

• The edge of your contact can rub against the cyst, increasing discomfort.

• Contacts can make your symptoms worse if the cyst is infected or inflamed.

• Eye doctors usually recommend putting the brakes on contact lens wear until your symptoms improve.

Plot twist: Wearing contacts may contribute to conjunctival cyst formation in some people, especially if there's frequent irritation or friction. It's just one more reason for you to keep your contacts clean and handle them with care.

Causes of a conjunctival cyst

A conjunctival cyst can show up for several reasons, or sometimes for no reason at all. Hey, who doesn't love a good mystery guest at their dinner party?

Common causes include:

• Eye surgery

• Eye trauma (including rubbing your eyes vigorously)

• Chronic inflammation from autoimmune disorders or allergies

• Dust, debris, or allergens blocking the oil glands

• Friction and irritation from contact lens wear

Can stress cause a conjunctival cyst?

Stress doesn't directly cause conjunctival cysts, but it can be a contributing factor. Chronic stress sometimes affects the immune system, triggering the kind of inflammation that may play a role in cyst formation.

Risks of a conjunctival cyst

Most conjunctival cysts are benign, temporary, and carry minimal risk. We promise! That said, it's natural to have questions about how a fluid-filled sac can affect your eyes.

Can conjunctival cysts affect vision?

In most cases, no. Small conjunctival cysts rarely interfere with vision. If you have a larger cyst, however, it might restrict your eye movement or cause blurring vision. Some people even experience refractive changes, which are vision issues caused by changes in the eye's shape.

A conjunctival cyst is rarely so large that it obstructs vision directly. If you notice any vision changes, see an eye care professional as soon as possible.

Can a conjunctival cyst burst?

Technically, yes. Just like a pimple can pop, a cyst can rupture on its own if its walls stretch enough. This is how conjunctival cysts sometimes resolve themselves. 

Generally, there's no danger, as the fluid drains harmlessly. However, you should never attempt to pop or squeeze a conjunctival cyst yourself. If the cyst doesn't burst on its own, your eye doctor may recommend draining it with a needle. This is known as aspiration. 

Can an eye cyst spread?

Despite their similar names, conjunctival cysts are different from conjunctivitis (pink eye), so they're not contagious. They don't spread from person to person.

That said, a single eye can develop multiple cysts, or an existing cyst can grow larger or come back after treatment.

Duration: How long does an eye cyst last?

So, how long does it take for a conjunctival cyst to heal? It could be weeks, months, or occasionally longer. It depends on what's causing it and whether you have it treated at some point. Some disappear in the blink of an eye, while others take their own sweet time.

Can a conjunctival cyst go away on its own?

Yes, many conjunctival cysts go away without treatment, especially small ones. A cyst goes away on its own when its wall ruptures, allowing the fluid to leak out.

If your cyst isn't causing any symptoms, your eye care professional may recommend a "watch and wait" approach. They may also advise you to use lubricating eye drops to ease any discomfort.

How long does a conjunctival cyst last?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer because every cyst, and every person, is different. It depends on the size of the cyst, what's causing it, and other factors.

Some cysts disappear in a few weeks, while others remain the same size for months. Cysts caused by something temporary may go away faster than cysts caused by chronic conditions. If a cyst hasn't resolved after a reasonable amount of time or causes bothersome symptoms, consult an eye care professional.

Can a conjunctival cyst come and go?

Yes. Some cysts shrink, disappear, and then return when you least expect them. This is more likely if you haven't resolved the underlying issue. Conjunctival cysts can also come back after treatment, especially if you have aspiration instead of a full excision (surgical removal).

How do you treat a conjunctival cyst?

Treatment for a conjunctival cyst may not be necessary. Your eye doctor may simply monitor the cyst to make sure it doesn't get bigger or cause discomfort. Here are some additional treatment options, organized from least to most invasive:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) lubricating eye drops/artificial tears. OTC drops reduce discomfort and ease dryness.

• Prescription steroid drops. Prescription-strength drops reduce inflammation and slow cyst growth.

• Warm compresses. Warmth promotes natural drainage (and it just plain feels good on your eyes).

• Aspiration. A doctor drains the fluid with a thin needle (don't worry; they use local anesthesia). This is quick and minimally invasive, but it comes with a high rate of recurrence.

• Surgical excision. Excision completely removes the cyst, so it has a lower recurrence rate than aspiration. Doctors also use local anesthesia for this procedure.

• Laser-assisted removal. Some doctors use a laser for minimally invasive cyst removal.

Do conjunctival cysts need to be removed?

Not always. Many cysts don't need to be removed if they're small and cause no symptoms. Removal is recommended when the cyst:

• Causes persistent discomfort

• Affects your vision

• Grows significantly

• Restricts eye movement

• Doesn't resolve on its own after observation

What is the recovery time for conjunctival cyst surgery?

The recovery time is short, and most people return to their normal activities after a few days. You may have to wear an eye patch, use eye drops, or apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. In many cases, it's possible to recover fully with no long-term impact on vision.

What kind of eye doctor should treat a conjunctival cyst?

If you just need diagnosis and initial management, an optometrist can treat a conjunctival cyst by recommending observation, prescribing steroid drops, or recommending lubricating drops. For surgical procedures, such as excision, you'll need an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specializes in eye surgery). If you don't have an eye doctor, use the 1-800 Contacts search tool to find one near you.

Prevention: How can I prevent conjunctival cysts?

"How can I prevent conjunctival cysts?" is a common question, but you should know that you can't always prevent this type of cyst from forming. Some people are born with them, and others develop them for no apparent reason.

However, certain habits may reduce your risk of developing recurrent cysts:

• Avoid touching your eyes.

• Wear protective eyewear when needed.

• Clean your contact lenses as directed, don't wear them for too long, and always replace them according to the manufacturer's schedule.

• Use eye drops as needed.

• Avoid sharing eye makeup.

• Keep your towels and bedding clean.

• Seek prompt treatment for eye infections.

• Get regular eye exams.

If your eye doctor approves contact lens wear, use 1-800 Contacts to find your preferred brand and get them delivered, easy-peasy. We also have drops to help you keep your eyes feeling moist and hydrated. And if you happen to notice a conjunctival cyst in the mirror tomorrow morning, we hope this article has helped you keep calm and carry on.