Being told there is a tumour or mass behind the eye is frightening. The orbit, its muscles, and the optic nerve are all a part of a tight intricate space. Many orbital masses are benign, and the great majority can be treated successfully while protecting the eye.
Dr Sumer Doctor is a fellowship-trained oculoplastic and orbital surgeon in Mumbai who specialises in diagnosing and removing tumours of the orbit through a carefully planned surgery that reaches the mass while protecting the eye and sight (orbitotomy).
Signs There May Be a Mass Behind the Eye
One eye pushed forward – bulging or protruding (proptosis)
The eye pushed to one side, or downward
Double vision, or difficulty moving the eye
A visible or feelable lump around the eye
A change in vision, or a feeling of pressure
The key first step is a CT or MRI scan, which shows the size, exact location, and often the likely nature of the mass which must be read with an experienced eye.
An orbital tumour in an infant, removed without a visible scar. A small baby was found to have a tumour near the eye. Through a carefully planned approach and a hidden crease incision, we removed the mass safely and completely leaving no obvious scar.
A complex repeat surgery for a bulging eye. A 25-year-old woman still had a bulging eye a year after a large orbital tumour had been only partly removed at another centre. We performed a demanding repeat operation and removed the tumour completely; she has recovered beautifully. As her tumour was a solitary fibrous tumour.
A “blood clot” that was really a tumour. A middle-aged man had a scan which was reported to have a “blood clot” behind the eye. Reviewing his images carefully, we saw a mass pressing the eyeball downward which we removed safely. It proved to be an eye cancer, and he went on to the further treatment he needed.
A tear-gland tumour removed whole, through a hidden crease. A young woman had a mass pressing on her eyeball. We removed it completely through a discreet lid-crease incision, leaving no visible scar. It turned out to be a pleomorphic adenoma, a benign tear-gland tumour that is best removed intact, in one piece.
If you or a loved one has been told there is a mass behind the eye, the most important step is an early, expert assessment Begin a conversation by Whatsapping +919391521982 to know more.
In the great majority of orbital tumour surgery, the eye and vision are preserved. Removal of the eye is rare and reserved for specific serious situations.
Many approaches use hidden incisions in the eyelid or its crease leaving little or no visible mark.
All surgery carries risk, and the orbit is delicate which is exactly why specialist training matters. In experienced hands, orbitotomy is generally safe.
No. Some are safely observed; some need only a biopsy; some are treated with medicines or radiotherapy.
Repeat orbital surgery is more complex, but often very possible
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