Routes of Spread to Eye from the Notorious Neighbour i.e. Nose, Sinuses and Nasopharynx.

Abstract

Due to close anatomical relationship of eye with nose and sinuses it is liable to get involved secondary to sinonasal and nasopharyngeal pathology. Sinonasal and nasopharyngeal pathology may present with varied ophthalmic manifestations. Ocular involvement from sinonasal diseases occur due to direct spread to orbit, venous spread due to valveless nature of veins, cranial nerve involvement, nasolacrimal apparatus involvement and intracranial spread. The present study is to determine the sociodemographics, ocular manifestations due to sinonasal and nasopharyngeal pathology, etiological factors and routes of spread. The most common etiology in present study was sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma followed by nasal vestibulitis. The most common ocular pathology was proptosis followed by preseptal cellulitis. The most common route was erosion followed by compression and vascular. To conclude sinonasal and nasopharyngeal pathology can spread to orbit and increase the mortality and morbidity.