Treatment:

Mild cases may go away without treatment. More severe cases will usually respond to treatment with corticosteroids. Very severe cases may develop damaging pressure on the eye, and require surgical movement of the bones of the orbit to relieve pressure on the eyeball.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most cases are mild and do well. Severe cases may be resistant to treatment and visual loss may occur. Orbital pseudotumor usually involves only one eye.

Complications:

Severe cases of orbital pseudotumor may push the eye forward to the extent that the lids can no longer protect the cornea, leading to drying of the affected eye. This can lead to damage to the clarity of the cornea, or to corneal ulcer (wound). The eye muscles may not be able to properly aim the eye, and double vision may result.

Calling your health care provider:

Patients with pseudotumor will be closely followed by an ophthalmologist with experience in the treatment of orbital disease.

If you experience irritation of the cornea, redness, pain, or decreased vision, call your ophthalmologist or general health care provider right away.