Ophthalmic Injuries Related to Maxillofacial Trauma Due to Urban Warfare

: Midfacial trauma commonly causes ocular injuries of varying degrees. Eye injuries account for approximately 10% of all battle injuries. Severity of injuries may range from a subconjunctival haemorrhage to optic nerve injury and globe laceration and rupture.

Is to evaluate the associated ophthalmic injuries in maxillofacial trauma due to war and to emphasize the need for proper ophthalmic examination to exclude and manage any associated ophthalmic injuries.

A total of 66 patients with maxillofacial trauma due to war were considered in this study and underwent classification of the fractures to know patterns of fractures and to specify the ophthalmic injuries which might be associated with each fracture. Referral to ophthalmologist was considered to determine the exact nature of ophthalmic injuries. Results by a maxillofacial surgeon and ophthalmologist were evaluated.

Midfacial trauma particularly those associated with zygomatic bone fracture was highly significant due to blast and bullets can lead to serious ophthalmic injuries. This was related to 57% of ophthalmic injuries. The related ocular injuries which were subconjunctival hemorrhage and the rupture or lacerated eye globe found to be highly significant war injuries while the preretinal hemorrhage and diplopia were significant.

A thorough proper ophthalmic examination should be carried out for every patient with these fractures and suspected cases should be placed under close observation so that immediate and active treatment can be taken if necessary.