Enophthalmia

Enophthalmia is a medical condition characterized by the posterior displacement of the eye within the orbit. This condition can be a result of various underlying causes, including trauma, aging, and certain diseases.

Causes

Enophthalmia can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

• Trauma: Trauma to the orbit can cause damage to the tissues and bones surrounding the eye, leading to enophthalmia.
• Aging: As a person ages, the fat and soft tissues in the orbit can atrophy, causing the eye to sink back into the socket.
• Diseases: Certain diseases, such as Horner's syndrome, scleroderma, and silent sinus syndrome, can cause enophthalmia.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of enophthalmia is the noticeable sinking of the eye into the socket. Other symptoms can include:

• Double vision
• Facial asymmetry
• Pain
• Vision loss

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of enophthalmia typically involves a thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist. This may include:

• Visual acuity test
• Slit lamp examination
• Orbital imaging

Treatment

Treatment for enophthalmia depends on the underlying cause. This may include:

• Surgery: In cases where trauma or disease has caused significant damage, surgery may be necessary to repair the orbit and reposition the eye.
• Medication: If an underlying disease is causing the enophthalmia, medication may be used to manage the condition.
• Observation: In some cases, no treatment is necessary and the condition can be managed with regular monitoring.

See also

• Exophthalmos
• Orbital fracture
• Orbital cellulitis