Eyelid Trauma
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Terminology
Types of eyelid/orbital trauma include closed globe injury, penetrating trauma, perforating trauma, and blowout fractures. This terminology is briefly explained below.
- Closed globe injury is non-penetrating trauma – the eye globe is intact but there is still blunt trauma.
- Penetrating trauma involves globe integrity compromise through a piercing wound that may involve prolapse of the internal eye contents. Perforating trauma is similar to penetrating trauma except the globe is pierced in two locations due to an entry and exit wound.
- Blowout fracture of the orbit is typically caused by blunt trauma and leads to fracture of the floor and/or medial orbit wall because of increased pressure on the orbital contents.
Eyelid Avulsions
Eyelid avulsion involves a traumatic injury to the eyelid or part of the eyelid. It results when the eyelid is torn from the normal position, usually requiring surgical repair. These injuries are often caused by car accidents, dog bites, or human bites. Repairs involve suturing and/or skin grafting after assessment to damage to the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the eyelid has occurred.
Puncture Wounds to the Eyelid
Puncture wounds to the eyelid usually require prompt medical attention. This is particularly important when the wound is deep or affects the tear ducts and/or the eyelid edges. Puncture wounds might include staples, bb pellets, fishing hooks, glass, etc. that may or may not remain in the eyelid.
