An encapsulation is essentially a tumour or cyst, as when the body creates an encapsulation it encloses some form of foreign or unwanted material to protect the surrounding tissue or organ/s, as well as the body. This material may just be made up of excess fat globules, or could be heavy metals, or it may be due to parasitic presence from a parasite such as the Protozoa. The encapsulation sign usually represents a non-threatening benign circumstance, however, depending on other sclera markings, signs and symptoms, it may also indicate abnormal tissue growth and a potential neoplasm.

More often than not our body will address and dissolve an encapsulation over time without ever presenting any signs or symptoms, and the encapsulation will, in turn, disappear.