J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2021; 82(01): 007-019
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722704
History of Orbital Surgery
Review Article

Orbital Surgery: Evolution and Revolution

Steven A. Newman
1   Neuro-ophthalmology Division, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

This article traces the development of orbital surgery and its subsequent modifications. It also points out the importance of defining one’s goal before embarking on orbital surgery. Although generally considered part of ophthalmology, surgery on the orbit has been relatively neglected and not routinely practiced. This article reviews the history of development of orbital surgery, both the revolutionary ideas and the evolutionary changes. There are multiple orbital lesions that do not need to be treated with surgery at all. These days chemotherapy, radation therapy, or even immunotherapy may be more appropriate. The most common orbital pathology, that is thyroid orbitopathy, the physician needs to decide whether or not the orbit needs to be decompressed or whether there are problems related to motility that can be dealt with by eye muscle surgery.



Publication History

Article published online:
01 March 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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