Journal of Head & Neck Physicians and Surgeons (Jan 2015)
Orbital trauma- a review
Abstract
Trauma to the mid-facial region commonly causes ocular injuries of varying degrees. Majority of the patients suffer injury to the eye who have sustained trauma to the mid-facial region. Orbital contusion or fractures have been reported in as many as 30% of the cases and approximately 15% have decreased vision. Only 2 ocular emergencies require treatment within minute's I.e.: chemical burns of the eye and central retinal artery occlusion. Apart from these there is adequate of time for thorough history taking and examination. Isolated orbital blow-out fractures will have an associated eye injury in up to one third of patient. Both prospective and retrospective studies of patients who have sustained bifacial fractures indicate that as many as 20% may sustain serious ocular injury that warrants ophthalmological referral.