Eye Socket Fracture | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of an orbital fracture?
Each child may experience symptoms differently, but the most common symptoms of an orbital fracture are:
- swelling of the eyelid
- bruising around the eye
- pain in the eye
- double vision
- decreased movement of the affected eye
Eye Socket Fracture | Diagnosis & Treatments
How is an orbital fracture diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made after a complete medical history and physical examination of your child. In addition, your child's physician may also order the following tests to help confirm the diagnosis:
- x-ray: a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs onto film
- computerized tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan): a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body
How is an orbital fracture treated?
Your child's treatment may include:
- A consultation with an ophthalmologist, a physician who specializes in comprehensive eye care, may be necessary for a complete evaluation of your child's eye.
- Some fractures don't have to be treated immediately. Depending on the injury, time may be allowed for the swelling and bruising to go away before the fracture is treated.
- Double vision will usually resolve without treatment in three to four days.
- Surgery may be required for severe fractures, or if there is involvement of the eye. Surgery may be performed immediately, or up to several days after the trauma.
