EYE INJURY PREVENTION MONTH

July is Eye Injury Awareness Month — a time to highlight the often-overlooked dangers of eye trauma and encourage prompt action when injuries occur. While some eye injuries may seem minor at first, others can lead to orbital fractures — breaks in the bones that surround and protect the eye.

Knowing the signs and understanding when to seek help can prevent long-term damage and protect your vision.

What Is an Orbital Fracture?

An orbital fracture refers to a break in one or more of the bones that make up the eye socket (orbital cavity). These bones provide crucial structural support for the eye and surrounding tissues.

Orbital fractures are most often caused by blunt trauma — such as a fall, sports injury, road traffic accident, or assault. Depending on the nature of the injury, different parts of the orbit can be affected, including the rim, floor, and medial wall.

These fractures can result in more than just bruising. They may lead to changes in vision, eye movement limitations, nerve damage, or changes in facial appearance.

Signs Your Eye Injury Could Be an Orbital Fracture

Not every black eye is just a black eye. If you’ve sustained a blow to the face, watch for the following signs that may indicate a serious fracture:

• Swelling and bruising around the eye: This can be more than skin-deep, potentially involving deeper tissues and structures.

• Double vision: Seeing two images may indicate that muscles or nerves controlling eye movement are affected.

• Restricted eye movement: If you find it difficult to move your eye in certain directions, this could signal muscle entrapment.

• Pain in or around the eye: Persistent or sharp pain — especially when moving the eye or pressing around it — is a warning sign.

• Numbness in the cheek or upper teeth: This could result from damage to the infraorbital nerve, which runs through the floor of the eye socket.

• A sunken appearance of the eye (enophthalmos): The eye may appear to recede into the socket due to structural collapse or bone displacement.

How Are Orbital Fractures Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture, as well as the impact on vision and function.

1. Observation: In cases where symptoms are mild and there is no impact on eye function, careful monitoring may be all that’s required.

2. Medical management: This may include pain relief, cold compresses to reduce swelling, and antibiotics if there’s a risk of infection.

3. Surgical intervention: More severe fractures — especially those that affect eye movement, appearance, or nerve function — may require surgery to restore anatomy and function. This can involve repositioning bones and repairing soft tissue or muscle damage.

Why Early Action Matters

Delaying treatment for an orbital fracture can increase the risk of complications, including permanent vision problems, chronic pain, or long-term changes in facial structure.

As part of Eye Injury Awareness Month, take this opportunity to educate yourself and others about the importance of recognising serious eye injuries. If you or someone you know has had facial trauma and is experiencing any of the warning signs above, seek medical attention immediately.