Restore comfort, vision, and facial symmetry with expert care for orbital and lacrimal tumors. These growths can cause eye bulging, changes in vision, double vision, or eyelid abnormalities. As a dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and faculty instructor at UCLA’s Orbital Master’s Course, Dr. David Isaacs offers advanced, minimally invasive treatment options to remove tumors while preserving both function and appearance.
Eliminate Tumors While Protecting
Vital Structures
Orbital and lacrimal tumors are abnormal growths that form in the eye socket (orbit) or the tear gland (lacrimal gland). These may be benign or malignant and can lead to symptoms such as eye bulging (proptosis), vision changes, double vision, pain, swelling, or eyelid abnormalities. Surgery is often considered when a tumor affects vision, causes noticeable disfigurement, or poses a risk of spreading. Due to the orbit’s complex anatomy, surrounded by the optic nerve, extraocular muscles, and major blood vessels, treatment requires specialized expertise.
Dr. David Isaacs is a leading expert in orbital and lacrimal tumor surgery. With advanced training in oculoplastic, orbital, and facial surgery, he uses minimally invasive techniques and hidden incisions to remove orbital and lacrimal tumors while preserving your vision, appearance, and critical anatomical structures. His approach minimizes disruption and scarring.
Orbital & Lacrimal Tumor Removal Treats:
- Eye bulging (proptosis) caused by mass effect
- Progressive or sudden vision loss
- Double vision from muscle or nerve compression
- Pain or pressure around the eye
- Swelling or fullness in the upper eyelid or inner corner
- Eyelid abnormalities or displacement
- Tumors threatening the optic nerve or nearby structures
- Cosmetic concerns due to visible deformity or asymmetry
Types of Orbital Tumors
Benign Orbital
Tumors
Benign orbital tumors are non-cancerous growths that usually develop slowly and remain confined to the eye socket. Although they don’t spread, their growth can still compress nearby structures, causing symptoms such as eye bulging or changes in vision. Surgical removal is often recommended to prevent long-term complications.
Common benign orbital tumors include:
- Cavernous Hemangioma
- Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma
- Lacrimal Gland Pleomorphic Adenoma
- Schwannoma and Neurofibroma
Malignant Orbital Tumors
Malignant orbital tumors are cancerous and require early diagnosis and aggressive treatment to protect vision and prevent local or systemic spread. These tumors may arise from structures within the orbit or represent metastases from other parts of the body. These tumors require urgent treatment involving surgery, radiation, or systemic therapy.
Examples of malignant orbital tumors include:
- Lacrimal Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Orbital Lymphoma
- Orbital Metastases From the Breast, Lung, or Prostate
Dr. Isaacs’ Approach to Orbital
Tumor Removal
Dr. Isaacs uses a minimally invasive approach for orbital tumor removal tailored to the tumor’s location within the orbit. Because the eye socket is surrounded by critical structures, including the optic nerve, eye muscles, and major blood vessels, precision is essential. Rather than using external incisions that can lead to visible scarring, Dr. Isaacs uses hidden, natural entry points that allow access while maintaining aesthetic integrity. His goal is to remove the tumor completely while minimizing disruption to the surrounding tissues.
Transconjunctival Approach (Lower Eyelid Incision)
This technique is ideal for tumors located in the inferior orbit. Dr. Isaacs makes an incision inside the lower eyelid, resulting in a virtually invisible scar. This provides excellent access to the lower portion of the eye socket while maintaining lower eyelid support, crucial in preventing postoperative issues like eyelid retraction or malposition. By avoiding external skin incisions, the transconjunctival method enhances cosmetic outcomes and reduces recovery time.
Caruncular Approach (Medial Orbit Incision)
For tumors located near the medial orbit or tear sac, Dr. Isaacs uses a caruncular incision, made through the small, pink tissue in the inner corner of the eye. Once healed, the incision is completely hidden. This technique offers direct access to tumors of the lacrimal sac, medial orbital wall, and adjacent structures without disturbing external tissues. It is particularly beneficial in preserving natural facial contours and minimizing visible signs of surgery.
Upper Eyelid Approach
(Superior Orbit & Posterior Tumors)
When tumors are located deep in the orbit or near the upper and outer portions, such as the lacrimal gland or superior orbital rim, Dr. Isaacs uses an upper eyelid approach. He carefully places the incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid while camouflaging any potential scar. This provides optimal exposure to tumors near the optic nerve and upper orbital structures while minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissues.
Schedule Your Consultation
David Isaacs, MD, is a dual-fellowship trained oculofacial surgeon and a faculty instructor at UCLA’s Orbital Master’s Course. He specializes in the diagnosis and removal of orbital and lacrimal tumors using minimally invasive, hidden-incision techniques that prioritize function and appearance. His expertise enables precise and customized treatments in the most complex cases. If you’re experiencing symptoms like eye bulging, vision changes, or eyelid abnormalities, schedule your consultation with Dr. Isaacs today.
