Ocular and periocular injuries from orbital fractures

BACKGROUND: Orbital fractures are associated with ocular and periocular injuries. The role of the ophthalmologist in the evaluation and management of facial trauma, including orbital fractures, has not been clearly defined. The purpose of this study is to identify and characterize ocular and periocular injuries associated with orbital fractures to define the role of the ophthalmologist in the management of facial trauma. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-five patients with orbital fractures who were evaluated by an ophthalmologist as part of their initial trauma evaluation were studied. The majority of the patients with orbital fractures (74%) did not have associated ocular or periocular injuries. Twenty-three of 104 (22%) ocular injuries in 23 of 95 (24%) patients required immediate intervention by an ophthalmologist. CONCLUSIONS: Facial trauma and orbital fractures are associated with significant ocular and periocular injuries, the minority of which require immediate evaluation and treatment by an ophthalmologist. These results differ from those previously reported.