Dr. Mukul B. M, Dr. Maneksha V, Dr. Upasana
Subconjunctival emphysema usually is associated with orbital emphysema which occurs after post traumatic creation of a sino- orbital communication.
Here we present a case of a 23 year old male who developed simultaneous subcutaneous, orbital and subconjunctival emphysema in left eye after blowing of nose. He had history of blunt trauma to the left eye with a cricket ball on the same day.
Orbital CT scan revealed undisplaced fracture of the medial and inferior wall of left orbit with air in the extra conal space.
Subconjunctival emphysema usually has an uneventful course. Similarly orbital emphysema without visual compromise is not an ophthalmic emergency and can be managed conservatively. Though, one should be vigilant about exposure keratopathy and compressive optic neuropathy.
The above patient was advised to refrain from nose blowing and prescribed topical and oral antibiotics with antiinflammatory medications. He had significant improvement the next day.