Introduction to Orbital Diseases

Abstract

Numerous primary and secondary diseases affect the orbit and ocular adnexa. Almost any tissue type can be involved with specific pathologies, including osseous, vascular, neural, muscular, and glandular structures. Tumors, infections, and inflammations can secondarily invade the orbit from adjacent periorbital regions such as the paranasal sinuses, eyelids, and intracranial compartment. Because of the small size of the orbit confined by bony walls and the juxtaposition of a large number of diverse structures that subserve visual function as well as facial functions, it is not surprising that ophthalmic symptoms are common presenting findings with most orbital diseases. A careful and complete ophthalmic and systemic history, including chief complaint, major ophthalmic symptoms, nature of onset, and duration of symptoms, as well as a thorough ophthalmic examination and radiologic imaging is essential to establish a likely diagnosis and to plan medical or surgical management.