Ocular Compartment Syndrome and Lateral Canthotomy Procedure

Publication date: Available online 21 January 2019

Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Author(s): Esam Amer, Abd El-Rahman Abbas

Abstract

Background

Ocular compartment syndrome (OCS) is a serious ophthalmological emergency that should be diagnosed and treated immediately to prevent permanent loss of vision. It is usually caused by a retro-orbital bleed that will subsequently increase intra-orbital pressure and threaten the patient's vision. Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis is a minor bedside procedure using simple equipment that is readily available in emergency departments, and the aim of such a procedure is to free the eye globe from its lateral attachment to the bony orbital wall and allow more eye protrusion and hence reduce intra-orbital pressure and save the patient's sight. The case we present describes a 42-year-old man who presented with facial injuries following an alleged assault and in whom a computed tomography scan of the head showed a retro-orbital hemorrhage. The patient had subtle signs of increased intra-orbital pressure for which lateral canthotomy and cantholysis was indicated.

Discussion

OCS is an ophthalmological emergency that can present with subtle signs of increased intraocular pressure that can lead to irreversible loss of vision if not treated with a simple bedside operation called lateral canthotomy and cantholysis within a specific time frame. We explore the pathophysiology and presentation of OCS and how to perform the lateral canthotomy with cantholysis procedure.

Conclusions

The aim of this case presentation is to highlight the importance of diagnosing OCS as an ophthalmological emergency and discuss how to perform the sight-saving procedure.

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