In assessing the eye, what does a firm mass under the conjunctiva indicate?

A firm mass under the conjunctiva typically suggests the presence of a possible hemangioma. Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors that can present as a raised, firm mass due to the proliferation of blood vessels. They may appear in various locations on the body, including the conjunctiva. The firmness of the mass indicates that it is likely a solid structure rather than just fluid or blood, which would be more suggestive of a different condition.

In contrast, subconjunctival hemorrhage would present as a flat discoloration on the conjunctival surface and would not feel firm to the touch. EOMI (extraocular movements intact) pertains to the functionality of the eye muscles and does not relate directly to the presence of a mass. An abnormality in scleral structure would usually not present itself as a firm mass under the conjunctiva, as such abnormalities are typically located deeper in the eye structure or would present differently.