Eye Trauma: Brief Introduction
Eye Trauma: Brief Introduction
Eye Trauma
E. Liang Liu and Ashley Phipps
Brief Introduction
Ocular trauma is a common presentation to the emergency
department in the United States, representing 3% of all ED
visits every year [1] and remains the leading cause of mon-
ocular blindness [2]. Ocular trauma frequently follows
assaults, workplace and sports injuries, and motor vehicle
accidents. The trauma can range from a simple injury such as
a superficial eyelid laceration to an ophthalmologic emer-
gency such as a ruptured globe. The emergency physician
must feel comfortable evaluating and managing these com-
plaints, as trauma patients are at particular risk for vision-
threatening injuries and increased morbidity [3].
Clinical Presentation
The diagnosis of ocular trauma requires a detailed history
and specifically clarifying the mechanism of injury, especially
whether it was blunt or penetrating. Penetrating injuries can
Differential Diagnosis
A number of both traumatic injuries and medical conditions
can present concurrently. Depending on the mechanism, trau-
matic injuries usually do not isolate one specific part of the
eye or involve just one pathology. An eyelid laceration can
extend to involve the conjunctiva and deeper tissue to result
in a ruptured globe. Subconjunctival hemorrhage, vitreous
hemorrhage, and retrobulbar hemorrhage can occur indepen-
dently but may also be found concurrently.
Chapter 4. Eye Trauma 37
Clinical Evaluation
History
Physical Examination
Eyelid Laceration
The eyelids are the first level of protection to the eyes, and inju-
ries to the eyelid can significantly impact the underlying eye.
The eyelid’s role is to keep the eyes moist and protected from
foreign bodies. Thus, an injured eyelid can result in eye dryness
and irritation, as well as increasing the risk for infection and
further injury. Eyelid injuries result in significant swelling to the
lid itself. Both penetrating and blunt trauma can cause an eyelid
laceration. Blunt trauma to the cheek or zygoma may be associ-
ated with an avulsion of the medial canthus and a canalicular
laceration. It is important to evaluate the laceration and ensure
it does not involve the lacrimal duct system or the orbit. The
eyelids should always be fully everted to evaluate for deeper
extension. The examination should also include assessment of
the extraocular muscles, as they can be commonly injured. If
ptosis or orbital fat is visible on inspection, the laceration may
extend through the orbital septum, indicating a deeper lacera-
tion with increased risk for infection. Evaluation for foreign
body and globe injury should also be performed via examina-
tion and potentially imaging as needed [5, 6].
Emergency physicians should feel comfortable performing
laceration repair on all partial thickness lid lacerations other
than those affecting the lacrimal system or lid margin. 6-0
nylon sutures should be used and removed within 5 days [1].
Any laceration that is within 8 mm of the medial canthus
should be evaluated for lacrimal system involvement. As the
lacrimal ducts are important for proper drainage of tears, lac-
rimal duct injuries require repair by an ophthalmologist and,
if not treated appropriately, can cause significant morbidity.
Lacerations involving the lid margin will often require repair
by ophthalmology, as any notching of the lid may lead to
improper closure of the eyelids and long-term sequelae [5, 6].
Conjunctival Laceration
Corneal Laceration
Traumatic Hyphema
Iridodialysis/Cyclodialysis
Ruptured Globe
Orbital Fracture
Retrobulbar Hemorrhage
Chemical Burn
Disposition
Complications of ocular trauma include permanent loss of
vision, corneal ulcers that may lead to delayed perforation,
infection especially endophthalmitis, and sympathetic oph-
thalmia. Sympathetic ophthalmia is an autoimmune-mediated
response to the uninjured eye that occurs weeks to months
after the initial injury. This can occur if enucleation of the
severely traumatized eye is not performed initially or within
1–2 weeks after severe damage, as the uveal tissue that is typi-
cally sequestered becomes exposed with injury. Patients pres-
ent with pain, photophobia, and decreased visual acuity.
Management requires ophthalmology evaluation and typi-
cally treatment with steroids and immunosuppressants.
Pearls/Pitfalls
–– If a ruptured globe is considered, immediately place an eye
shield and consult ophthalmology.
–– Most traumatic eye injuries can be properly treated in the
emergency room and discharged home with urgent oph-
thalmology follow-up.
–– Don’t forget to think of other associated injuries that may
have occurred with the trauma such as intracranial or cer-
vical spine injuries.
–– Wearing eye protection does not prevent injury but can
significantly reduce it.
References
1. Bord SP, Linden J. Trauma to the globe and orbit. Emerg Med
Clin North Am. 2008;26(1):97–123.
2. McGwin G, Owsley C. Incidence of emergency department –
treated eye injury in the United States. Arch Ophthalmol.
2005;123(5):662–6.
3. Kim G, Wong MM. Ocular trauma: an evidence-based approach
to evaluation and management in the ED. Pediatr Emerg
50 E. Liang Liu and A. Phipps