What is the Eye Surface?                                                                                                            The eye surface, is the outermost later covering the eye. The cornea is the central transparent part, surrounded by the white part (sclera), which again is covered by a thin transparent later called conjunctiva. Rarely, these layers can develop tumours. Most eye surface tumors are benign (nevus, or a mole) which are painless, and slow growing. They do not affect eye function, and are only of cometic value. Rarely, cancer can affect this surface, called as ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).

Is it a Cancer?                                                                                                                             The biggest worry for every patient is to wonder if the ocular surface lesion is cancerous. Most are benign (non-cancerous), painless, and slow growing masses. Cancerous eye surface mass is usually fast growing, and more common in the elderly. The oculoplastic surgeon can determine whether it is cancerous by its duration, and appearance. Hence, consulting your oculoplastic surgeon is very important.

Treatment                                                                                                                          Treatment of any eye surface mass depends upon whether it suspected to be benign or cancerous. Benign naevus, if cosmetically bothersome, can be removed by surgery.                 For suspected cancerous growth, a complete surgical removal or a biopsy is done. Once diagnosis is confirmed, anti-cancer eye drops or injections can be an option. 

Recovery                                                                                                                               Surgery for eye surface tutors vary in their complexity and duration based on the location and extent of the tumor. Most eye surface surgeries are performed under local anasesthesia as a day-care procedure.  Most patients are back to light work within a week or two. Minimal redness may persist for 4-6 weeks.
Removal of eye surface tumors is performed by the minimally invasive techniques. It involves specialized care since the function of the eye has to be preserved while providing the best cosmetic result.

Insurance                                                                                                                                 Health insurance will cover the costs of tumor/cancer surgery.