Ophthalmologic Findings in Patients with Non-Surgically Treated Blowout Fractures

Abstract

We evaluated the ocular and visual status in a group of patients with a non-surgically treated blowout fracture. Clinical examination with refraction, test of binocular function, and tear film evaluation was performed in 23 patients. These values were statistically correlated with the orbital volume measurements and ocular finding from the patient records at presentation. About 50% of the study group was symptomatic due to low visual acuity from refractive errors and decompensated phorias as a consequence of the blowout fracture. Several patients displayed changes in tear film production. There was no strong correlation between the measured parameters and orbital volume measurements. Patients with a non-surgically treated blowout fracture often display ocular and visual changes after discharge. A routine visual exam is advocated in all patients after the ocular status has stabilized after a blowout fracture.