Fig. 4

Operation findings of third operation. a Irrigation solutions were introduced through the main incision hole (IH) during the operation. The space which was initially filled and expanded by distilled water was indicated by the black arrowheads. Inside of this margin, the trace of 10% TCA made during the evacuation of the first trial of TCA can be seen as faint shaded area (white arrows); the evacuation hole (EH), which allows for the exit of chemicals, can be seen. From the main incision hole, two branches (b) can be seen leading to the main cyst (M), with its newly formed epithelial bud (*). Surrounding the epithelial bud, the advancing margin (black arrows) of the 10% TCA after second application can be seen; the margin is whiter due to the more recent cauterization. b Postoperative day 1: whitening of the surface epithelial layer denotes cauterization; as such, we assume that the epithelium lining the cyst was also cauterized. Deep tracts can be observed near to the limbus (arrows); they seem to have their origin in the limbus (arrows). Because the cyst wall was in contact with the chemicals, the corneal lesion, including its limbal origin, has been completely cauterized