Orbital Fracture
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is an orbital fracture?
An orbital fracture is a break in one or more of the bones around your eye. Orbital fractures are caused by a hard blow to the eye area. Car accidents and sports injuries are the most common causes.
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What are the types of orbital fractures?
- A blowout fracture is a break in the eye socket along the floor or inner wall near the nose.
- An orbital rim fracture is a break in the eye socket along the outer edge.
- An orbital floor fracture is when the bones around the eye are pushed back. This causes the bottom, or floor, of the eye socket to buckle downward.
- A compound fracture is a blow to the middle of your face that causes a combination of fractures. These may include breaks to the orbital rim, floor, and cheek. This type of fracture may affect the eye socket and the cheek, nose, or jaw.
What are the signs and symptoms of an orbital fracture?
Signs and symptoms depend on the type of fracture. You may have any of the following:
- Pain and bruising around the eye
- Swelling of the forehead, cheek, or area around the eye
- Pain or trouble moving your eye
- Double, blurry, or decreased vision
- Numbness
- Blood in the white part of your eye
- An eye that bulges or sinks
How is an orbital fracture diagnosed?
- Your healthcare provider or ophthalmologist will ask about the injury and examine your eye. Your provider will check your eye movement and measure the position of your eye in the socket. Tell your provider if your vision is blurry or you have other vision problems.
- An x-ray or CT may show an orbital bone fracture or foreign objects in your eye. You may be given contrast liquid to help the eye show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
How is an orbital fracture treated?
Your provider may want to wait until the swelling decreases to decide if surgery is necessary. Minor fractures may not need surgery. You may need any of the following:
- Medicines:
- Decongestants can help decrease sinus pressure or congestion. This can help relieve pressure on your eye.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent an infection.
- Steroids may be needed to decrease swelling.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Surgery may be needed if you have decreased movement and function of the eye. Surgery may also be needed if the eye needs to be repositioned in the socket.
How can I help my eye heal?
- Apply ice on your injured eye for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you apply it to your eye. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Do not blow your nose until your fracture has healed, or as directed. Blowing your nose can put pressure on your eye socket.
- Try not to sneeze. If you have to sneeze, do it with your mouth open to decrease pressure on your eye.
- Do not use a straw until your fracture has healed. Straws can increase the pressure in your face and eye socket.
How can I help prevent an orbital fracture?
Wear safety glasses, eye shields, or goggles. These items can prevent eye injury. Make sure the eyewear wraps around the sides of your face. Wear protective eyewear during sports. Do not use regular eyeglasses for eye protection. They will not protect your eyes from injury.
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When should I seek immediate care?
- Your vision starts to blur.
- You start to see double.
- You suddenly lose your vision.
- You have severe eye pain.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have a fever.
- Your symptoms do not go away, or they get worse.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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