Periorbital edema:  a puzzle no more?
OBJECTIVE
Periorbital edema is a common problem that deserves scrutiny. Although a variety of healthcare providers may see this clinical entity, ophthalmologists are often consulted along the way toward diagnosis. It can challenge even the most astute clinicians. A diagnosis may reveal merely a bothersome issue or potentially a sight-threatening or life-threatening problem.


RESULTS
Comprehensive reviews on this topic are scarce. Textbooks are brief. There are, however, many studies in the scientific literature of notable cases of periorbital edema. The causes generally fall into the categories of infectious, inflammatory or tumors, medication related, and postsurgical or trauma.


CONCLUSIONS
This article synthesizes the current literature on the topic with a case series from our institution. It aims to provide a thorough resource for all practitioners to make the prospect of triaging, diagnosing, and treating periorbital edema less daunting.
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
Rachel K
RK
Sobel
Keith D
KD
Carter
Richard C
RC
Allen
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004487:Edema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D015817:Eye Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D049970:Graves Ophthalmopathy / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy