Ocular injuries associated with fractures involving the orbit

Ocular injuries often accompany periorbital fractures. The incidence reported by various authors varies greatly. The charts of 509 patients operated on because of a fracture involving the orbit were reviewed and the intra- and extraocular injuries were recorded. Subconjunctival haematoma, corneal abrasions and mild retinal oedema were not considered. It appeared that 26% of the injured suffered concomitant lesions of the eye and/or its adnexae. The incidence is discussed and certain hints are given, which can help non-ophthalmologists assess the severity of the trauma in cases where obvious signs are absent.