Clinical pattern of orbital trauma at a tertiary care center

Abstract

Context: Orbital trauma occurs in a variety of settings, with road traffic accidents (RTAs) being the most common. Injuries vary in severity and have the potential for visual impairment and disfigurement. Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical pattern of orbital injuries and its effect on visual acuity (VA). Settings and Design: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study of thirty patients who had attended Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital, Chennai, with a history of orbital trauma. Patients were examined and information was gathered. The data were then computerized, and statistical analysis was done using SPSS. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Results: RTA was the leading cause of orbital trauma (50%), with a female-to-male ratio of 7:23, left eye was the most commonly injured eye (57%), and the age group affected was from 21 to 40 years (60%). The most common fracture was involving the floor (47%), with direct force constituting 54% as the cause of trauma. VA remained 6/6 for a majority of cases (58%) and grossly reduced to perception of light in 6.67% of cases. The most commonly presented clinical feature was periorbital edema with ecchymosis (43%) followed by ocular movement restriction (40%). Out of the thirty cases, surgical intervention was done for 63% and medical management for 37%. Conclusion:The study concluded that each mode of injury of the orbit leads to varying clinical presentation with varying frequency of involvement of VA. Therefore, early recognition of trauma and timely intervention can result in better visual outcomes.