Orbital Fracture
What Is An Orbital Fracture?
Orbital fractures are breaks in any of the bones surrounding the eye area (also known as the orbit or eye socket). These fractures are almost always a result of a blunt force trauma injury, whether by accident or from sports.
Orbital fractures can cause a multitude of issues depending on where they are located and what other associated injuries may be present. Because of this, close ophthalmic assessment is paramount to see which fractures may require correction in order to restore normal visual function.
What Are Types Of Orbital Fracture?
Orbital fractures can be classified into three distinct types:
- Blowout Fracture – The most commonly encountered, a blowout fracture occurs in the eye socket along the floor or inner wall near the nose and is often due to something hitting the eye with force, like a tennis ball or racquetball. These fractures may be asymptomatic and can be observed or cause problems with double vision, or a change in the position of the eyeball, and require surgical repair.
- Orbital Rim Fracture – These fractures are located on the outer edges of the eye socket and require a large amount of force to inflict. Orbital rim fractures are often the result of car accidents, accompanying other injuries to the head and face, and may present as an irregular contour along the edge of the eye socket.
- Compound Fractures – Trauma to the midface may result in a combination of fractures including the orbital rim, floor, and cheek. This may affect both the eye socket and the maxilla or upper jaw, resulting in abnormalities in biting or chewing. Other compound fracture associations include the bones of the nose, calvarium (chamber that contains the brain), and skull base.
What Are Orbital Fracture Symptoms?
Symptoms of orbital fractures are dependent on the type of fracture and can include:
- Blurred Vision and or Double Vision
- Bruising Around the Eyes
- Swelling, Facial Numbness or Sunken Cheek
- Difficulty and/or pain moving the eye
- Nausea and/or vomiting worsened by eye movements
- Bulging or Sunken Eyeballs
How Are Orbital Fractures Treated?
A CT scan of the orbital area is often required to fully assess the extent of the injury.
For many orbital fractures, surgery is not necessary. Your Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist may recommend the use of ice packs to reduce swelling, along with decongestants and antibiotics. Sneezing with the mouth open, avoidance of nose blowing, or vigorous straw usage are necessary for several weeks to prevent further injury.
If the fracture has affected movement, function, or placement of the eye, reconstructive surgery may need to be performed.