Orbital cellulitis is infection of the orbit. Orbital cellulitis is a dangerous, sight (even life) threatening condition that needs to be managed emergently. The infection usually arises from structures adjacent to the orbits including the eyelids and sinuses. Treatment includes systemic antibiotics and possibly surgery.
Orbital tumors (tumors in the eye socket) can be congenital or acquired, benign or malignant, painless or painful. They can happen in both children and adults. They can be subtle and found incidentally (with slow growth) or can behave aggressively (with rapid growth). Symptoms range from none to eye pain/pressure, eye irritation and tearing, swelling, diplopia (double vision), and proptosis (bulgy protruded eyes). [Dr. Taban has written a textbook chapter entitled “Orbital tumors: examination techniques” in Clinical Ophthalmic Oncology, detailing the evaluation of orbital tumors.]
The most common orbital tumors in the pediatric population are dermoid cysts and hemangiomas. The most common orbital tumors in adults are cavernous hemangiomas, metastatic disease, and orbital lymphomas. Other processes can also mimic a tumor such as Graves’ disease, inflammatory conditions, and infections. Dr. Taban has written several articles on orbital problems, including orbital infections with abscesses.
What Causes Orbital Tumors & Infections?
In both children and adults, a variety of neoplasms (tumors) can occur in the orbit (eye socket). They can arise de novo, from adjacent structures, or secondary to metastasis. Some grow slowly, and go unnoticed while others can grow rapidly; impairing vision and causing even greater problems. Symptoms range from none to eye pain/pressure, eye irritation and tearing, swelling, diplopia (double vision), and proptosis (protruded eyes). [Dr. Taban has written a textbook chapter entitled “Orbital tumors: examination techniques” in Clinical Ophthalmic Oncology, detailing the evaluation of orbital tumors.]
The most common orbital tumors in the pediatric population are dermoid cysts and hemangiomas. The most common orbital tumors in adults are cavernous hemangiomas, metastatic disease, and orbital lymphomas. Other processes can also mimic a tumor such as Graves’ disease, inflammatory conditions, and infections. Dr. Taban has written several articles on orbital problems, including orbital infections with abscesses.
Symptoms of Orbital Tumors & Infections
Generally, one of the most common symptoms of orbital tumors and infections is exophthalmos, also known as the protrusion of the eye. Sometimes, tumors will also cause the patient to experience visual problems like partial to whole vision loss, blurry vision, or double vision. Smaller more mild tumors may cause a feeling of pressure near the eye socket, headaches, and moderate vision problems.
Detecting An Orbital Tumor
In addition to examination by an oculoplastic specialist, imaging of the orbits (either CT or MRI scan) are the best method for detecting and differentiating these tumors. A biopsy of the tumor is often required to diagnose the type of the tumor. Treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy and/or surgical removal, depending on the type of the tumor. For instance, the usual treatment for orbital lymphoma is radiation, while for cavernous hemangioma is surgical removal (when necessary). Dr. Taban has published many articles on using endoscopic technique for orbital tumor removal which may offer a better explanation of the procedure.
Orbital Tumor Before and After Pictures
Patient before and 6 weeks after right orbital bony tumor excision.
To see more before and after orbital tumor pictures, visit our Orbital Tumor and Infection Photo Gallery.
Who Should Treat Orbital Disease?
An oculoplastic surgeon, who is a member of American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), is someone who is a board certified ophthalmologist who has completed additional 2-year fellowship training in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery of the eyelids, orbits (eye socket), lacrimal system( tearing system) and surrounding structures. Dr. Taban is triple board certified by American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), and American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Dr. Taban is an oculoplastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and Santa Barbara with expertise in evaluating and managemetn of orbital tumors and infections.
Dr. Mehryar (Ray) Taban is board certified in the field of Ophthalmology and has an extensive background in the treatment of orbital diseases and infections. If you'd like to learn more about orbital disease, contact us today to schedule your initial consult at Dr. Taban's Beverly Hills or Santa Barbara office.
Next, learn about Orbital Fractures.