What is an Orbital Fracture?
An orbital fracture takes place when there is a traumatic injury or a break in the bone of the eye socket (also called the orbit). These injuries are also referred to as eye socket fractures and are usually the result of blunt force trauma to the eye. Severe ones may result in bone penetration back into the eye structures and brain.
Types of Orbital Fractures
Any of the bones surrounding the eye can be fractured or injured. Below are three types of orbital fractures one may experience:
- Orbital Rim Fracture
- Indirect Orbital Fracture or Blowout Fracture
- Direct Orbital Floor Fracture
Orbital Rim Fractures
Orbital rim fractures affect the bony outer edges of the eye socket. This part of the orbit has the thickest bone, requiring a significant amount of force for a fracture to occur. Orbital rim fractures are often caused by car accidents, which can result in other injuries to the eye and face.
Indirect Orbital Fractures or Blowout Fractures
An indirect orbital fracture or blowout fracture is a break in the floor of the eye socket. When these injuries occur the orbital rim stays intact, but a crack forms in the thin bone that makes up the base of the eye socket. This crack can pinch muscles and other anatomy around the eye, keeping the eyeball from moving properly. Blowout fractures are usually the result of trauma that is caused by an object larger than the eye socket itself, such as a baseball or fist. There are characterized by their lack of orbital rim involvement when the orbital floor is fractured.
Direct Orbital Floor Fractures
A direct orbital floor fracture is when an orbital rim fracture extends into the floor of the eye socket. This is different than an indirect orbital fracture (or blowout fracture), because the blunt force trauma to the orbital rim pushes the bones backward, causing the bones of the orbital floor to fracture as well. Orbital floor fractures are the usually result of trauma larger than the eye socket itself.
What Are the Symptoms of an Orbital Fracture?
Symptoms of an orbital fracture may include:
- Blurred or double vision
- Decreased ability to move your eye
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in and around the eyes, nose, and cheeks
- Sunken eyes
- Swollen eye socket.
Consult an Orbital Fracture Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has experienced an orbital fracture due to the negligence of someone else, you may be entitled to legal recovery. Orbital fractures, and other types of bone fractures, can result in devastating injuries if not treated properly. Call (713) 932-0777 today to speak to an experienced orbital fracture accident attorney.