Orbital Emphysema Causing Eye Movement Restriction Without Orbital Fractures Due to Compressed Air Injury

PURPOSE: The authors experienced a case of orbital emphysema causing eye movement disorder following conjunctival tear without any orbital wall fractures after exposure to compressed air. CASE SUMMARY: A 28-year-old man's left periorbital area was injured while working with compressed air. There was marked lid swelling on the left side with palpable crepitus. The patient had an exotropia and hypertropia of the left eye. In addition, the extraocular movement of the left eye was restricted on upgaze without nausea and vomiting. On slit-lamp examination, conjunctival partial laceration and subconjunctival air bubbles adjacent to the conjunctival laceration could be seen. Orbital computed tomography showed air in the periorbital and retrobulbar region of the left eye and no evidence of orbital fracture. On examination 4 days after the primary repair of the conjunctival laceration, the patient completely recovered without any complication. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital emphysema following a conjunctival laceration caused by compressed air without any orbital wall fractures can cause restriction of eye movement.

A Case of Spontaneous Orbital Emphysema

Orbital emphysema is a recognized complication of various kinds of orbital and facial injury. It is usually benign and transient but can potentially elicit serious visual complications. Its significance as a threat to sight and its diagnostic value have been underestimated in the field of otolaryngology. Recently, we experienced an unusual case of orbital emphysema following nose blowing. A reliable past history and physical examination showed no direct trauma to the orbit. We report this case with a review of its pathophysiology, diagnosis and adequate management through the literature.

A Case of Complete Protrusion of Eyeball Due to Orbital Emphysema

Orbital emphysema is a well-known concomitant of fracture of the paranasal sinuses involving the orbit. The important clinical distinction lies in the presence of proptosis. This is found in the variety of emphysema confined to the orbit without communication with the lids. The rise in intraorbital pressure, which occurs when air enters the orbit, causes the proptosis. Authors have recently experienced a rare case of complete protrusion of the eyeball caused by orbital emphysema after contusion on occipital area of skull due to fall-down in 10 month-old korean girl. The eyeball was completely exposed out of the lid margin. The case report is reviewed with the several literatures.