Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
06:32
Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
Late central visual recovery after traumatic globe displacement into the maxillary sinus
Sandy X Zhang-Nunes1, Imran Jarullazada, Ronald Mancini
1Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|April 15, 2011
Summary
A rare case of eye prolapse into the maxillary sinus after trauma showed late restoration of vision. Despite initial blindness, the patient regained 20/20 central vision, demonstrating unexpected visual recovery potential.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Surgery
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Orbital trauma involving globe displacement into the maxillary sinus is uncommon.
- Such injuries typically result in a poor visual prognosis.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old male sustained a motorcycle accident with a right orbital floor and medial wall fracture, displacing the globe into the maxillary sinus.
- Initial examination revealed no light perception (NLP).
Findings:
- Surgical exploration revealed no globe rupture; orbital fractures were repaired.
- Postoperative treatment included intravenous methylprednisolone followed by an oral prednisone taper.
- Remarkably, central vision returned to 20/20 by postoperative week 6, with a persistent central visual field tunnel.
- Visual function remained stable at 2-year follow-up.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for unexpected visual recovery even after severe orbital trauma with globe displacement.
- It suggests that prompt surgical intervention and appropriate medical management may lead to favorable outcomes in seemingly hopeless situations.
- Further research into the mechanisms of visual recovery in such cases is warranted.
