Emergency lateral canthotomy and cantholysis to relieve intraocular pressure following severe motor vehicle collision

Abstract

A young woman displayed a dilated and fixed pupil following a motor vehicle collision with blunt force trauma to face. This was associated with drastically elevated intraocular pressure and proptosis. It was believed that a retrobulbar bleed was causing ocular compartment syndrome, an ischemic condition whereby elevated pressure within the orbit occludes blood flow to the retina and ocular nerves. This is a rare ocular emergency, and must be promptly treated to prevent permanent damage. Ophthalmology was consulted by telephone to confirm the diagnosis and direct treatment. A lateral canthotomy and cantholysis was performed under guidance from Ophthalmology and free open access medical education resources. The trauma team managed to save the eye, with visual acuity remaining near normal. In this report, the mechanism of orbital compartment syndrome is explained, and the lateral canthotomy and cantholysis procedure is outlined. This case highlights the importance of telephone consultation and easily accessible medical education resources in the acute care of rare conditions that may arise following trauma.