Ophthalmic Complications in Maxillofacial Trauma: A Prospective Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES To determine the incidence and types of ophthalmic complications associated with maxillofacial trauma over a period of 24 months. METHODS An institutional prospective study was conducted on 62 patients presenting with maxillofacial trauma to study the correlation between facial trauma and ophthalmic complications. RESULTS Road traffic accidents were reported to be the primary etiologic factor for most trauma cases studied. Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture was associated with more ophthalmic complications while fractures involving the orbital rims and walls were associated with severe complications. CONCLUSIONS Maxillofacial trauma, particularly those associated with midface, including ZMC fracture, Le Fort II, Le Fort III, and naso-orbito-ethmoidal fractures, can commonly cause ophthalmic complications and blindness in rare cases. Hence, every patient with maxillofacial trauma should undergo an ophthalmic examination and should be placed under close observation for necessary treatment when required.