The orbit is the bony cavity where the eyeball resides along with its associated muscles, blood vessels and nerves. It functions to protect the delicate eye and its associated structures but it is susceptible to infection, disease and injury. Fortunately, Dr. Lane is able to evaluate and treat many orbital problems for both adults and children.

Infections

Orbital infections, also referred to as orbital cellulitis, can be very aggressive and can threaten vision. In rare cases, the infection can be life threatening. Most commonly, orbital infections occur when the neighboring sinuses become infected, but can also occur from small breaks in the skin or after trauma. It is important for these forms of infections to be treated quickly and aggressively with antibiotics. Sometimes these infections require surgical intervention.

Tumors

A variety of tumors can manifest in the eye socket in both adults and children. Tumors can arise in the lacrimal gland (tear gland), the muscles that move the eye, as well as in the space behind the eye. Tumors can also erode into the orbit from the neighboring sinus cavities. Metastatic cancer can also affect the orbit. Often a surgical procedure is recommended to biopsy or remove the lesion to obtain tissue for diagnosis and to guide treatment.

Inflammation

A variety of inflammatory conditions (e.g.: Wegener’s disease, sarcoidosis, idiopathic orbital inflammation, etc.) can cause problems in the orbit. The most effective way to detect and determine the type of lesion or tumor is to perform a CT scan or MRI. A biopsy may also be required for diagnosis.

Orbital Trauma

Trauma and injury can also affect the orbit. Some of the more common injuries include lacerations of the eyelid, damage to the tear drain, bleeding or bruising in or around the eye and bone fractures of the eye socket. Car accidents, sports injuries and fist fights are among the most common causes of these injuries.