Lesions of Vision: Distribution, Diagnosis and Diversity in Ophthalmic Pathology

Introduction: The eye, a highly specialized sensory organ, is susceptible to a wide range of pathologies, including trauma, inflammatory, neoplastic, and degenerative diseases. Histopathology plays a pivotal role in diagnosing ocular conditions, guiding management and treatment decisions, and advancing knowledge in this specialized field. Material and Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 105 ophthalmic specimens received from January 2021 to December 2023. Clinical data, including patient demographics, lesion site, and clinical summary, were extracted from histopathology requisition forms. Specimens from the eyelid, conjunctiva, and other ocular sites were included. Results: Among 105 cases, males accounted for 57.2% and females for 42.8%. The highest prevalence was observed in the 41-50 age group (18.1%). Lesions were most located on the eyelids (57.3%), followed by the conjunctiva (22.9%). Hidrocystoma was the most frequent benign lesion, representing 13.3% of cases, all located on the eyelid. Other diagnoses included inclusion cysts, seborrheic keratosis, pilomatrixoma, capillary hemangioma, conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia, granulomatous lesions, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Malignant lesions comprised 10.4% of cases, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common. Benign lesions accounted for 83.8%, and premalignant conditions for 5.7%. Conclusion: Hidrocystoma was the most common benign lesion, while squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent malignant lesion. Geographic variations influenced lesion distribution, emphasizing the importance of region-specific studies in understanding ophthalmic pathology. Key words: Histopathology, eyelid, conjunctiva, Hidrocystoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, non-neoplastic lesions.