What the optometrist should know about sinus disease

Purpose: The aim of this article is to familiarize the practicing optometrist with common diseases of the paranasal sinuses, and with the ways these diseases affect the orbit. Methods: This review article covers the basic anatomy and physiology of the sinuses, followed by a discussion of disease states - acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyposis, mucoceles, and benign and malignant neoplasms. Results: Recommended management of the above-mentioned disease states, including endoscopic sinus surgery and associated complications, are presented. Conclusion: Diseases affecting the paranasal sinuses are common and affect a large proportion of the population. Due to the close proximity of the sinuses to the orbit(s), inflammatory or neoplastic disease frequently presents with orbital symptoms and/or signs. It is therefore important for optometrists to be familiar with these diseases.