Hemangiomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumours brought on by a typical blood vessel development. Hemangiomas can appear everywhere on the body, but the face and neck are where they most frequently appear. Hemangiomas can be present before birth, however they typically initially show up in the first six months of life.
Hemangiomas are of two different types:
In the epidermal layer of the skin exist capillary hemangiomas. Many people refer to them as “strawberry birthmarks.”
The deeper skin layers or the area around the eye are where cavernous hemangiomas can be found.
Capillary hemangiomas can develop in the eye socket, on the eye’s surface, or on the eyelids. When that occurs, the hemangioma may obstruct the eye’s natural development. It may also cause glaucoma and amblyopia, two vision conditions.
Over time, hemangiomas progressively go away. 90% (9 out of 10) of hemangiomas vanish by age 9, and 50% by age 5.
Capillary hemangiomas have an unknown specific cause. Certain proteins in the placenta during pregnancy may play a role, according to some research. Hemangiomas are more often found in Caucasian babies. Hemangiomas are three times as likely to form in female infants than in male infants. Hemangiomas are also more likely to develop in premature infants.
The first six months are often when capillary hemangiomas first occur. Raised lesions on the skin that range in colour from red to reddish-purple. They could also take the form of big, elevated lesions that show blood vessels. Usually, a spot on a baby’s skin that changes in colour and size is noticed by parents.
Eye-related hemangiomas can seriously harm the eyes. If they grow too big and untreated, amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” can result in poor visual development. Glaucoma can also be brought on by hemangiomas surrounding the eyes. The optic nerve may be compressed by hemangiomas in the eye socket. This may result in the atrophy of the optic nerve and visual loss.
Hemangiomas can be identified by your ophthalmologist based on how they appear. Normally, additional testing is not required.
The location, size, and severity of the hemangioma will all affect how it is treated. Additionally, it depends on whether or not it affects vision. Not every hemangioma needs to be treated. However, hemangiomas close to the eye should be closely monitored to make sure they do not impair vision.
There are a number of therapy options available if a hemangioma is causing vision issues.
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