Evaluation of the eye following periorbital trauma

Periorbital trauma is usually associated with ocular complications. When confronted with a traumatized patient, one should therefore evaluate the eyes to determine the extent of injury. First, a noncontact examination should be conducted to assess the degree of ocular integrity. Once it is established that the eye is not damaged, further diagnostic work-up and evaluation can be performed. Although most ocular complications are treated by ophthalmologists, eyelid lacerations, orbital hemorrhage, blowout fractures, and brain injuries may be treated by other subspecialists. Before orbital and ocular adnexal reconstructive surgery is performed, however, one must establish the patient's ocular status so that ocular damage will not be increased during surgery.