Orbital emphysema and the medial orbital wall: a review of the literature with particular reference to that associated with indirect trauma and possible blindness.

Orbital emphysema is not an uncommon finding following fractures of the facial skeleton. Both its significance as a threat to sight and its diagnostic value may well be underestimated. Fractures of the paranasal sinuses may occur as a result of indirect trauma. This article reviews the literature on the subject with particular reference to blindness as a possible sequel. Two cases of orbital wall fracture that occurred as a result of indirect trauma and which produced orbital emphysema are discussed.