Background Indications for preservation of orbital contents in case of malignant sinonasal tumors invading the orbit remain controversial. Methods A retrospective consecutive review was conducted of patients in a tertiary care center over a 15‐year period. Results Ninety‐three patients were diagnosed with a malignant tumor invading the orbit. Eighty‐three were treated with curative intent of which 58 underwent surgery. Mean follow‐up was 45 months. Orbital preservation was feasible in 66% of cases, whereas orbital clearance was performed in cases of locally advanced disease (invasion of extraocular muscles, ocular globe, or orbital apex). Local control rate was 70% for patients treated with orbital clearance and 74% for those with orbital preservation, with no statistical difference. Five‐year survival and 5‐year relapse‐free survival were similar in both groups. Conclusion Using our strategy, the eye can be spared in more patients than what is currently proposed, without oncologic or survival disadvantages. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708–1716, 2016