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A blow out fracture also known as an Indirect orbital floor fracture occurs when the bony rim of the eye remains intact, but the paper-thin floor of the eye socket cracks or ruptures. This can cause a small hole in the floor of the eye socket that can trap portions of the eye muscles and surrounding structures. The injured eye may not move normally in its socket,
which can cause double vision.
Causes of Blowout Fracture
Blowout fractures are usually caused by and impact to the eye by a blunt object larger than the eye socket. This could be a baseball, and elbow in a basketball game or result from a fall or automobile accident.
Symptoms of Blowout Fracture
- A "black eye," with swelling and black-and-blue discoloration around the injured eye; possibly also redness and areas of bleeding on the white of the eye and on the inner lining of the eyelids
- Double vision, decreased vision or blurry vision
- Difficulty looking up, down, right or left
- Abnormal position of the eye (either "bulging out" of its socket or "sunken in")
Treatment of Blowout Fracture
Your treatment will depend on the severity and location of your injury. For a small, uncomplicated blowout fracture that does not affect the movement of your eye, your doctor may prescribe ice packs, decongestants and an antibiotic to prevent infection. You also may be told to rest for a few days and to avoid blowing your nose while the eye heals.
If the fracture is more severe, your doctor will refer you to a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in treatment of eye injuries. This specialist will determine whether you need surgery to repair the broken bone. Surgery may be needed to:
- Remove bone fragments
- Free trapped eye muscles and eliminate double vision
- Restore the normal architecture of the eye socket if your injured eye looks sunken in
- Repair deformities of the eye rim that affect your appearance
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