Related Experiment Videos
Near-complete optic nerve transection by high-pressure air.
Soo Won Ko1, Jong Seok Lee1, Han Sung Choi1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine
|October 19, 2016
Summary
High-pressure air can cause orbital emphysema and optic nerve transection, leading to vision loss. This rare case highlights severe eye injury from an air compressor gun without bone disruption.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- High-pressure air instruments are increasingly used.
- Associated injuries include orbital emphysema.
- Optic nerve transection is a severe complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of orbital emphysema and optic nerve transection.
- To discuss the mechanism of injury from high-pressure air.
- To highlight the rarity of optic nerve transection without bone injury.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 62-year-old male patient.
- Clinical examination including lacerations of eyelids.
- Radiological examinations (CT scan) to assess injuries.
- Surgical repair of canalicular injury.
Main Results:
- Orbital emphysema, optic nerve transection, pneumocephalus, and subcutaneous emphysema were diagnosed.
- Emphysema resolved after surgical repair.
- Near-complete vision loss in the affected eye.
- Absence of significant bone structure disruption.
Conclusions:
- High-pressure air can cause severe orbital trauma.
- Pure optic nerve transection without bone injury is exceptionally rare.
- Prompt management is crucial, though vision prognosis can be poor.