UNLABELLED: No reviews of orbital gunshot injuries have been published in German ophthalmological journals. In this article biomechanical and prognostic factors of this rare type of injury are analysed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report on 4 patients, aged 20-63 years, who tried to commit suicide by shooting themselves in the right temple. Clinical and radiological diagnosis as well as treatment by an interdisciplinary team are reported. RESULTS: All patients became blind on the right side despite immediate surgery including reconstruction of the injured bones and soft tissues. Three of four patients suffered severe functional defects in the left eye; one of them is now blind. CONCLUSION: Orbital gunshot wounds are severe injuries. The prognosis depends on the course of the bullet and the interdisciplinary care.
UNLABELLED: No reviews of orbital gunshot injuries have been published in German ophthalmological journals. In this article biomechanical and prognostic factors of this rare type of injury are analysed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report on 4 patients, aged 20-63 years, who tried to commit suicide by shooting themselves in the right temple. Clinical and radiological diagnosis as well as treatment by an interdisciplinary team are reported. RESULTS: All patients became blind on the right side despite immediate surgery including reconstruction of the injured bones and soft tissues. Three of four patients suffered severe functional defects in the left eye; one of them is now blind. CONCLUSION: Orbital gunshot wounds are severe injuries. The prognosis depends on the course of the bullet and the interdisciplinary care.