Orbital Tumors & Infections
Orbital infection, or Orbital cellulitis, is an aggressive sight, and even life, threatening process. Usually arising secondarily from an adjacent sinus infection, this situation must be treated swiftly and aggressively with antibiotics and often surgery. Close follow up and monitoring is required to treat these infections, but is typically successful. Of note, not all infections occur as an extension of sinusitis. This can also occur after trauma to the eyelid, eye or orbit as well as in patients whose immune system is challenged.
In both children and adults, a variety of tumors can occur in the eye socket. Some grow slowly, and go unnoticed while others can grow rapidly; impairing vision and causing even greater problems. CT scans and MRI’s are the best method for detecting and differentiating these lesions prior to having surgery. Once the location is identified, along with the general characteristics of the lesion, a treatment plan can be created. In some instances your orbital surgeon can treat these tumors on their own, often as an outpatient. On the other hand, aggressive tumors may require the help of other surgical specialist and in patient hospital treatment.
Who Should Treat Orbital Disease?
The orbit is a small, compact and complex structure. Oculo-Facial surgeons have undertaken the extra training to deal with the nuances of treating orbital disease and injuries. When choosing a surgeon to evaluate and treat your orbital problem, look for an ophthalmic Facial plastic & reconstructive surgeon who specializes in the eyelid, orbit, and tear drain surgery. Member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) have the extra training required to care for these problems in children and adults. Membership in ASOPRS indicates your surgeon is not only a board certified ophthalmologist who knows the anatomy and structure of the eye and orbit, but also has expertise in ophthalmic plastic reconstructive Surgery to appropriately care for your problem.
