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Enophthalmos is the sinking of one or both eyeballs, which can be caused by various factors including surgery or developmental issues. Treatment options include medical and surgical interventions, but complications can arise if left untreated. Patients should avoid activities that could cause further trauma to the orbital region.
Enophthalmos is the progressive displacement or sinking of one of the two eyeballs over a certain period of time. Sometimes the sinking process occurs over the course of several years and other times it can happen in just a few minutes. It is considered a frequent medical problem and is important in the United States and around the world with the same frequency of occurrence. Although the main problem with enophthalmos is deformity, especially if the eyeball sags more than 2mm (08in), there are rare occasions when the patient dies. The condition can affect a person at any age.
If both eyeballs are affected by enophthalmos, it can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose the condition, unless old photos or x-rays were taken before the condition occurred. Alternatively, if one eyeball is affected, simply comparing the two eyes makes diagnosis much easier. Regardless, a specialist should be consulted if there are any problems with the eyes.
There are several causes of enophthalmos. For example, sometimes the orbital cavity doesn’t develop properly after birth. In these cases, the bone or tissue stops growing. In other cases, the orbital cavity expands or there is a volumetric decrease of the orbital contents. Many of these causes are the result of surgery or other secondary conditions. Occasionally, the problem may even start while the person is developing in the womb.
Enophthalmos can be treated medically, in many cases. Medical treatments depend on what caused the condition. For example, if metastatic disease is responsible, chemotherapy may be suggested. Once the disease is under control, there are nonsurgical options for the patient. For those who must have surgery, doctors may try to repair an orbital fracture or replace any volume loss in the orbital area. Before undergoing surgery, it is best to consult an oculoplastic surgeon or a neuro-ophthalmologist.
There may be complications if the patient has been suffering from enophthalmos for a long time. In some cases, there may be severe orbital trauma associated with the condition. Such trauma can cause scarring and make surgery difficult; however, in most cases, the condition is treatable and the prognosis is excellent.
Persons suffering from enophthalmos should be instructed not to sneeze into an open mouth or blow their nose. Such mundane activities can cause an orbital fracture or even blindness in someone with enophthalmos. Activities also need to be monitored to prevent trauma to the orbital region.
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