Orbital Fractures
The orbit (eye socket) is formed by thin bones that can fracture from blunt trauma — sports injuries, falls, or assaults. Proper repair restores normal eye position, alignment, and movement to prevent lasting vision problems.
Common Symptoms After Eye Socket Trauma
Double Vision (Diplopia)
Entrapment of the inferior rectus muscle in the fracture can cause persistent double vision — especially looking up or down.
Sunken Eye (Enophthalmos)
The eyeball appears to sink backward into the socket due to increased orbital volume from displaced bone fragments.
Numbness Below the Eye
The infraorbital nerve runs along the floor of the orbit — fractures in this area commonly cause numbness of the cheek and upper teeth.
Limited Eye Movement
Muscle entrapment or swelling can restrict upward or downward gaze, making it difficult to look in certain directions.
Surgery vs. Observation
Observation (Small Fractures)
Small orbital fractures without significant double vision, enophthalmos, or muscle entrapment can often be managed conservatively — with observation, cold compresses, and avoidance of nose-blowing for 2 weeks while swelling resolves.
Surgical Repair (Larger Fractures)
Surgery is recommended when double vision persists beyond 2 weeks, when muscle entrapment is confirmed on CT scan (especially in children), or when significant enophthalmos (>2mm) is present. The surgeon restores the orbital floor or wall using implants.
Prompt Evaluation Is Essential
If you've had a blow to the eye or face and are experiencing double vision, eye numbness, or pain with eye movement, schedule an urgent evaluation. Dr. Shepler will assess the injury and guide you through next steps.