Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Anterior Segment Organ Culture Platform for Tracking Open Globe Injuries and Therapeutic Performance
Published on: August 25, 2021
Orbital barotrauma
Abstract:
A 24-year-old man sustained orbital and facial injury when an industrial suction device attached to his face. Hemorrhage and edema within the orbital soft tissues were clinically evidenced by proptosis and restricted ocular motility and confirmed by computed tomography. No retinal hemorrhages or exudates were noted. Orbital soft tissue injury caused by sudden extreme decrease in extravascular atmospheric pressure (i.e., orbital barotrauma) is not well described in the ophthalmic literature. The findings in our case are remarkably similar to those seen with traumatic asphyxia and the ophthalmological hydrostatic pressure syndrome, two conditions attributed to an increase in intravascular pressure. Physiologically, our case and these conditions share a similar increase in transmural pressure at the capillary level that is responsible for fluid transudate and hemorrhage in the orbital soft tissues. Intraretinal hemorrhages and exudates typical of Purtscher's retinopathy were conspicuously absent in our patient.
Related Concept Videos
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
Glaucoma: Overview
Accessory Structures of the Eye
Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

