Blindness After Midface Injuries — Data From the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oncological Surgery, Medical University in Łódź

Abstract

One of the most serious consequences of eye globe injury is loss of vision. Direct trauma to the eyeball is extremely rare, in comparison to the incidence of orbital fractures. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of post-traumatic amaurosis in patients subject to midfacial injuries. material and methods. Retrospective analysis comprised 6677 records of patients admitted to the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oncological Surgery, Medical University in Łódź during the period between 2004 and 2009. Results. Post-traumatic amaurosis was diagnosed in seven patients. The most common cause of posttraumatic blindness was attributed to fighting and road traffic accidents. All patients with midface fractures were thoroughly examined by an ophthalmologist. Six patients were subject to pharmacological therapy, while two were qualified towards surgical treatment (optic nerve decompression). conclusions. It is necessary to conduct an accurate examination of the visual organ in all patients after midfacial trauma, in order to confirm or exclude organ of vision injuries. Pharmacological and surgical treatment should be immediately initiated, as a consequence of optic nerve neuropathy.

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