General Medical Information

Blunt Trauma

Jean Edwards Holt

A severe blow to the eye or orbit can miraculously spare the ocular structures, or it can be devastating. The most common physical finding in cases of blunt trauma is hyphema (blood in the anterior chamber). If an eye has suffered a blow hard enough to cause ciliary body bleeding, which is believed to be the origin of the blood, the anterior chamber angle structures can be disrupted and the filtration network damaged. The patient is immediately or months to years later at risk of development of increased IOP. Dislocated or subluxed cataractous lenses can be found. The vitreous can be detached and become hemorrhagic. Retinal holes or detachment also can occur. Scleral rupture can occur anteriorly or posteriorly, and the optic nerve can be contused or avulsed. Blunt trauma to the eye necessitates complete ophthalmologic examination and can necessitate lifelong care and follow-up evaluation.