Orbital emphysema as a result of chest tube placement for recurrent pneumothorax.

Orbital emphysema refers to the presence of air or gas within the orbital soft tissue space. Although orbital fracture due to trauma is the most common cause, iatrogenic orbital emphysema from chest tube insertion is a rare but potentially serious complication from the treatment of pneumothorax. Symptoms can range from mild crepitus of the periorbital region to permanent vision loss secondary to central retinal artery occlusion or optic neuropathy, a result of orbital compartment syndrome.