Outcomes of globe repositioning procedures in patients with globe luxation: A retrospective case series

Globe luxation is a rare but severe ocular emergency that poses unique challenges in clinical management. This retrospective case series aims to investigate the efficacy and outcomes of globe repositioning procedures in patients with globe luxation. Six eyes of five patients with globe luxation were analyzed, who received treatment between January 2018 and May 2023 at our institute. Detailed patient histories, clinical examinations, and surgical interventions were extracted from patient medical records. All cases were initially managed with a lateral canthotomy and cantholysis to relieve orbital compartment syndrome. Clots were removed, and chemosis was drained via an inferior conjunctival incision in traumatic cases. The globe was repositioned with a blunt periosteal elevator, and temporary medial and lateral suture tarsorrhaphy was performed using bolsters to protect the cornea. The series included five patients (three males and two females), with three cases of post-traumatic globe luxation and two cases of spontaneous luxation in pediatric patients. One pediatric trauma case involved bilateral globe luxation, later diagnosed as secondary to factor XIII deficiency. Globe repositioning led to significant improvements in visual acuity and ocular function in spontaneous luxation cases and pediatric patients with factor XIII deficiency. While globe salvage was achieved in the traumatic cases, these patients did not regain visual function. Significant visual recovery was noted in spontaneous luxation cases, while traumatic cases demonstrated globe preservation without functional recovery. Early intervention to reposition and protect the globe remains vital for optimizing long-term outcomes.