I haven't been to the doctor yet, but I am certain that I have an orbital blowout due to being punched in the eye. My eye swelled and was black for a week, I put ice on it the first 48, and followed with moist heat and took tylenol as directed. It's been about a month, and my eye is still set back, it looks "smaller" than my other. I am going to the doctor, but will this fix itself, or will I have to have surgery.. Or worse, is it too late and I will be stuck like this?
November 6, 2014
Answer: Orbital fractures Usually when patients have orbital trauma, even with a fracture, we'll wait at least a week before determining if surgery is needed. This is to allow any swelling to go down. Indications for surgery include double vision, especially when moving your eyes, or sinking of the eye in your socket. Usually this happens if more than 50% of the orbital floor is broken. Since you are saying your eye looks "set back," you may have surgery in your future. You need a CT scan and an eye exam.As for the timing, it's not as critical to have an early intervention as with other fractures. Orbital floor fractures are usually repaired by inserting something (titanium, various kinds of plastic, etc.) to form a new floor, instead of moving your bones around. It becomes more difficult because of scarring and fibrosis of the tissues that can set in, and your eventual result may not be as good as it would have been had you sought treatment earlier, but it's definitely doable.Good luck!
Helpful
November 6, 2014
Answer: Orbital fractures Usually when patients have orbital trauma, even with a fracture, we'll wait at least a week before determining if surgery is needed. This is to allow any swelling to go down. Indications for surgery include double vision, especially when moving your eyes, or sinking of the eye in your socket. Usually this happens if more than 50% of the orbital floor is broken. Since you are saying your eye looks "set back," you may have surgery in your future. You need a CT scan and an eye exam.As for the timing, it's not as critical to have an early intervention as with other fractures. Orbital floor fractures are usually repaired by inserting something (titanium, various kinds of plastic, etc.) to form a new floor, instead of moving your bones around. It becomes more difficult because of scarring and fibrosis of the tissues that can set in, and your eventual result may not be as good as it would have been had you sought treatment earlier, but it's definitely doable.Good luck!
Helpful
