Learn About Orbital Pseudotumor
Orbital pseudotumor is the swelling of tissue behind the eye in an area called the orbit. The orbit is the hollow space in the skull where the eye sits. The orbit protects the eyeball and the muscles and tissue that surround it. Orbital pseudotumor does not spread to other tissues or places in the body.
Idiopathic orbital inflammatory syndrome (IOIS); Non-specific orbital inflammation
The cause is unknown. It mostly affects young women, although it can occur at any age.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain in eye, and it may be severe
- Restricted eye movement
- Decreased vision
- Double vision
- Eye swelling (proptosis)
- Red eye (rare)
Mild cases may go away without treatment. More severe cases most often respond well to corticosteroid treatment. If the condition is very bad, the swelling may put pressure on the eyeball and damage it. Surgery may be needed to remove part of the bones of the orbit to relieve the pressure.
Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital And Medical Center
James Rosenbaum is a Rheumatologist and an Ophthalmologist in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Rosenbaum is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Orbital Pseudotumor. His top areas of expertise are Uveitis, Scleritis, Sarcoidosis, Vitrectomy, and Trabeculectomy. Dr. Rosenbaum is currently accepting new patients.
University Of Vermont Medical Center Inc
Chi Lau is a Rheumatologist in Burlington, Vermont. Dr. Lau has been practicing medicine for over 43 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Orbital Pseudotumor. Her top areas of expertise are Juvenile Temporal Arteritis, Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Dr. Lau is currently accepting new patients.
Loyola University Medical Center
Melissa Briones is a Rheumatologist in Maywood, Illinois. Dr. Briones is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Orbital Pseudotumor. Her top areas of expertise are Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, MASS Phenotype, Scleroderma, and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Dr. Briones is currently accepting new patients.
Most cases are mild and outcomes are good. Severe cases may not respond well to treatment and there may be some loss of vision. Orbital pseudotumor most often involves only one eye.
Severe cases of orbital pseudotumor may push the eye forward so much that the lids cannot cover and protect the cornea. This causes the eye to dry out. The cornea may become cloudy or develop an ulcer. Also, the eye muscles may not be able to properly aim the eye which can cause double vision.
People with this condition need regular follow-up care with an eye doctor who is familiar with the treatment of orbital disease.
Contact your provider right away if you have any of the following problems:
- Irritation of the cornea
- Redness
- Pain
- Decreased vision
Published Date: August 05, 2024
Published By: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 391.
McNab AA. Orbital infection and inflammation. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 12.14.