Eye banking: techniques for eye preservation in selected neoplasms encroaching on the globe

Removal of the globe and associated structures has been advocated for tumors invading the periorbital bone and periosteum, orbital fat, or extraocular muscles. In some patients with cancerous tumors encroaching on the globe, however, it may be possible to remove the tumor and save the eye. Tenon's fascia is a firm fibrous sheath surrounding the entire globe except the cornea. If the neoplasm spreads along fascial planes rather than through them, and if this layer remains free of tumor involvement, preservation of the globe can be considered. Oculoplastic reconstructive techniques may limit exposure and diplopia, allowing the eye to be "banked" in vivo, and saved as a spare for the future. Six patients with malignant tumors encroaching on the globe have had definitive surgical extirpation with preservation of the eye. Three patients have had the globe uncovered successfully. Five of six patients remain disease-free, with followup from 6 months to 6 years. No globes have been removed. These techniques appear to be therapeutically sound, preserve function and appearance, and improve patient morale. The indications and limitations of this approach to certain cases of periorbital cancer are discussed.