clotted blood veins under baby's eye...

  I am caring for a child that is not mine; he turned 1 year old Dec. 26th.  He has what looks like a tumor under his right eye.  His mother informed me 1.) he has had it since he was a month old. 2.) the doctor told her that it's clotted blood veins...she told me the medical name, but I don't remember what it is..it's a long one!- that starts with hema... 3.) as far as I know, there aren't any plans to remove it; I had the impression she is not worried about it, and feels it might go away on it's own.
  My questions...does any one know the medical name? Should it be removed?  Will it affect his vision?  It's just under his eyelashes, a little bigger than a pea, and bright red- purplish in color.  I'm sure it's all he can see out of that eye!  It's directly in front of it, and big! Any info would be greatly appreciated.
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What you are describing is called a capillary hemangioma.  These are usually first evident shortly after birth to 1 year of age.  Fortunately, they usually regress by age 4.  As long as they are not interfering with the childs vision and if they are not too disfiguring, most ophthalmologist will elect to observe because they usually do shrink on there own.  It is very important that he see a pediatric ophthalmologist who can follow his vision closely.  These benign tumors can be treated with steroids or surgical excision if necessary with good results.
Thank you for your question.
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-JL
*Keywords:  hemangioma