ORBITAL FRACTURE AND TRAUMA

---

Trauma to the eye area can cause problems ranging from bruising, eyelid lacerations, and fractures. The orbital bones (eye socket) serve to protect the eyeball, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels from a severe blow or trauma. Trauma around the eyes can cause the thin bones of the eye socket to break, often known as a blowout fracture.  North Texas residents who have suffered an eyelid injury, orbital trauma, or blowout fracture should visit Oculoplastic Associates of Texas at their Dallas or Plano office to have their eye examined and treated as soon as possible. An untreated cut or fracture may lead to long-term vision or functional problems. 

Eyelid trauma and orbital fractures can sometimes be treated without surgery. However, if double vision is present or the movement of the eye is limited or abnormal, surgery may be recommended to improve the movement of the eye and to prevent a “sunken in” look (also known as enophthalmos).  

The best treatment for trauma complications is to prevent the trauma from occurring in the first place. It is important to take the necessary precautions to protect the eyes during sports and other potentially dangerous activities. Ask one of our doctors for recommendations on how to protect the eyes. 

A minor eye trauma or fracture may become more serious if the patient does not get immediate medical help. These are some of the signs that indicate a serious eye injury:

• Impaired, blurry, or double vision
• An eyelid that is cut or torn
• One eye appears different than the other
• The pupils are an unusual shape or size
• Blood in the whites of the eyes
• A foreign object that cannot be removed

Patients should seek medical attention as soon as possible after an eye injury with an ophthalmologist if possible. The person should avoid touching, rubbing, or putting pressure on the eye. The person should not try to remove a foreign object or treat the injury themselves with eye drops or ointment. Blowing the nose should also be avoided.