A Case of Orbital Emphysema after Nose Blowing

Abstract

Orbital emphysema is an abnormal condition in which air is present within the orbit. It commonly occurs during or immediately after facial, nasal, or orbital trauma; however, in a few cases, the orbital emphysema occurs spontaneously without the presence of recent trauma. Subsequently, air can enter the soft tissue of orbit as a result of nose blowing, coughing or sneezing. Although sequelae are generally self limiting and resolve spontaneously, they are important because of potential complications such as loss of vision due to pressure effect. The following is a case report of a patient who developed unilateral orbital emphysema after nose blowing.