I'm a male, 24 y.o who think I may have self-diagnosed myself with a sunken right eyeball (enophthalmos). Any suggestion?(photo)

Question

As noted, I think I have enopthalmos of the right eye, since it is more posterior than the left eye. I know facial asymmetry is the norm, but how can I rule out that that it isn't something aquired? I had an incident back in 2012, in which I fell and hit my right eye in a nearby table. It got swollen and bloody, but I never sought medical attention for the incident at the time. Could anything be done to correct enopthalmos, and if so, should I talk to a surgeon or an opthalmologist?

Jennifer Greer, MD · Answer

Enopthalmos occurs when a fracture of the orbit causes the globe (eyeball) to sit further back in the eye, and can be seen when the head is tilted back (the angle your photo was taken at). Hypoglobus means that the globe is sitting lower down (more inferiorly) in the orbit, and can be seen when looking at the face straight on. Both Hypoglobus and enopthalmos are usually operated on when they cause vision problems such as double vision, which you don't mention experiencing.  Based on just your photographs, I don't see any noticeable enophthalmos, but the best way to measure this is in person, using a special device which measures the position of the eye. If you are concerned, I would recommend seeing an ophthalmologist in your area for an evaluation.

Ira Vidor, MD · Answer

Hi. Enophthalmos can be due to many causes including trauma. Assessing enophthalmos requires precise measurements, including using an instrument called an exophthalmometer. Imaging studies (CT or MRI) help as well. I would schedule a consultation with an Oculoplastic surgeon, as they are experts in orbital diseases and surgery. Best regards, Ira Vidor, M.D.

I'm a male, 24 y.o who think I may have self-diagnosed myself with a sunken right eyeball (enophthalmos). Any suggestion?(photo)

Answers (2)