Eye & Oculoplastic Surgery
Orbital Myositis
Assessment and treatment of inflammation of the muscles that move the eye.
Consult Dr. Raman Mittal ↗
Illustrative image · not a patient resultOverview
About Orbital Myositis
Orbital myositis is inflammation of one or more eye muscles, usually with no known cause. It typically causes sudden pain that is worse on moving the eye, and double vision. Other conditions, such as thyroid eye disease or infection, have to be ruled out.
When to see a specialist
- 01Sudden pain around the eye, worse on eye movement
- 02New double vision
- 03Eyelid swelling or a bulging eye
Whether treatment is suitable can only be decided after a consultation and examination.
Your doctor
Dr. Raman Mittal
Ophthalmology • Oculoplastic Surgery
- MBBS
- DNB – Ophthalmology
- Fellowship in Oculoplasty
Ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon. He treats problems of the eyelids, tear ducts, orbit and eye socket, including cosmetic and reconstructive surgery around the eye.
Your consultation
What happens at the consultation.
At the first visit the doctor listens to your concern, takes a medical history and examines you. Not everyone who comes for a consultation needs a procedure.
Treatment planning
How the plan is decided.
Diagnosis is based on the examination, a CT or MRI scan and blood tests. Occasionally a biopsy is needed.
- 01
Your anatomy
- 02
Examination findings
- 03
What you want to change
- 04
General health
In detail
Orbital myositis: what to know.
What it is
Orbital myositis is inflammation of one or more of the muscles that move the eye, usually with no known cause. It commonly affects one eye.
- Sudden pain around the eye that is worse on moving it.
- Double vision, eyelid swelling and sometimes a bulging eye.
Fever, a red swollen eyelid, or any drop in vision needs urgent assessment, because an orbital infection can look similar.
Assessment
The diagnosis is made after other causes have been ruled out, such as thyroid eye disease, infection, and inflammatory or rarely cancerous conditions.
- A CT or MRI scan shows the enlarged muscle.
- Blood tests look for thyroid disease, other inflammatory conditions and infections such as tuberculosis.
- A biopsy is taken if the condition does not respond to treatment or looks unusual.
Treatment
- Steroid tablets usually bring rapid improvement, and the dose is then reduced slowly over several weeks.
- If steroids do not work or cannot be taken, other medicines or low-dose radiotherapy may be used.
- Myositis can come back, especially if steroids are stopped too quickly or several muscles are involved.
Steroid side effects
- Indigestion, poor sleep, mood changes and weight gain. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment.
General information, checked against published guidance (September 2026). It does not replace an individual consultation; your doctor will advise on your own case.
Sources: EyeWiki (AAO): Orbital inflammation · Journal of Clinical Medicine (2020) · Leicester Hospitals NHS: Orbital inflammation tests
What to expect
From first visit to follow-up.
- 01
Consultation
Tell the doctor what concerns you and ask your questions.
- 02
Examination & Planning
The doctor examines you and explains the options, including their limits.
- 03
Treatment
Carried out only if it is suitable for you and you decide to go ahead.
- 04
Follow-Up
Check-ups after treatment to review healing and any next steps.
FAQs
Common questions.
This can only be decided after a consultation and examination. The doctor will go through your concern, your medical history and the options available.
The doctor asks about your concern and medical history, examines you, and discusses what you hope to change and whether treatment is advisable.
Dr. Raman Mittal sees patients for this treatment at I·PLAST.
Yes. If treatment is planned, the doctor will explain aftercare, any activity restrictions and the follow-up visits you will need.
Not necessarily. Results depend on your anatomy, the examination findings, your general health and the procedure. Photographs of other patients show their results only.