How to Treat Hemangiomas on the Eyelids of Infants

A hemangioma is a benign red birthmark that occurs when a person's endothelial cells reproduce more quickly than normal. The endothelial cells are the cells that line blood vessels; a hemangioma can develop on any part of the body. A hemangioma, also called a vascular birthmark, can form on an infant's eyelid and could potentially cause him to have limited vision. Treatment for an eyelid hemangioma depends on the severity of the birthmark.

Things You'll Need

• Vision test
• Corticosteroids
• Surgery

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Instructions

• 1

  Administer a vision test to determine if the hemangioma on the infant's eyelid is interfering with his vision. The April 2009 issue of the "American Journal of Ophthalmology" reported that a procedure called a "sweep visual evoked potential vernier acuity test" measures the responses of a baby's brain to detect vision loss. Hemangiomas that interfere with the eye's function require more aggressive treatment than those that do not compromise vision.

• 2

  Observe the eyelid hemangioma for a period of time, if the infant's vision is not disturbed, before beginning more invasive treatment. The Children's Hospital in Boston explains that observation may be the only treatment needed, due to the fact that many hemangioma's resolve themselves and disappear as the baby grows.

• 3

  Treat an infant's eyelid hemangioma with corticosteroid medications. The drug may be given to the infant orally or can be injected directly into the hemangioma. Medications may inhibit the blood flow to the vessels within the birthmark, so it will not grow larger and cause deformity to the eye or loss of sight.

• 4

  Opt for laser surgery or surgical removal of a hemangioma that is located on a baby's eyelid. Invasive procedures of this kind are usually reserved for marks that limit the eye's function, such as preventing the child from opening her eye, or if tests determine that she cannot see as well as typical children of her age.