Prevalence of significant intraocular sequelae in blunt orbital trauma

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of significant intraocular sequelae (SIOS) and its correlation with the severity of blunt orbital trauma. Four hundred ten consecutive patients presenting to the ED who had sustained blunt orbital trauma were studied. The severity of orbital trauma was graded and SIOS was determined by the presence of an intraocular injury as listed in Table 2. The presence of SIOS was noted in 14 (41.2%) mild, 22 (59.5%) moderate, and 20 (29.4%) severe orbital trauma. In the severe group, the presence of SIOS was detected in 8 (23.5%) blowout fractures and in 12 (35.3%) non-blowout fractures. In view of the high rates of ocular complications among mild and moderate orbital injuries, such patients should have prompt ophthalmic follow up. The relatively low prevalence of SIOS in patients with severe orbital trauma could suggest a protective mechanism in this type of injury.