Ophthalmological Evaluation by a Maxillofacial Surgeon and an Ophthalmologist in Assessing the Damage to the Orbital Contents in Midfacial Fractures: A Prospective Study.

Background And Purpose: Midfacial fractures may often be associated with injuries to the orbit which may lead to notable dysfunction of the visual apparatus, if not detected early after injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the associated ophthalmic injuries in mid-face trauma and to emphasize the need for understanding the ophthalmic signs and symptoms by an attending maxillofacial surgeon.

Patients And Methods: A total number of 60 clinically and radiographically proven subjects with midfacial fractures were considered in the study that underwent complete ophthalmological evaluation at initial presentation. Referral to ophthalmologist was considered to determine the exact nature of injury and its implications. Results by a maxillofacial surgeon and ophthalmologist were evaluated.

Results: In our study, a male predominance with a mean age of 32 years was observed, with the most common etiology being Road Traffic Accidents. Forty-two of the 60 patients exhibited sub-conjunctival hemorrhage accounting for 70 % of ocular injuries recorded. While 28 of the 60 patients displayed peri-orbital edema (53.3 %), 8 patients experienced diplopia (13.32 %) and 8 patients showed relative afferent pupillary defect (13.32 %).

Conclusion: From our study, it becomes imperative that the maxillofacial surgeon should have a thorough knowledge of the various ophthalmic injuries that could occur in association with midfacial trauma in order to prevent visual complications to the patient. Understanding of the subtle injuries to the ocular apparatus which may be undiagnosed by a maxillofacial surgeon but have significant grave outcomes is essential.