Reconstructive Procedures

Orbital Trauma and Fracture Repair

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Expert Orbital Trauma Care

When injuries occur in the eye socket and around it, specialized surgical treatment is necessary to preserve vision and restore function to normal. Our surgeons are extensively trained in handling all types of orbital trauma—from straightforward injuries to complicated fractures needing urgent treatment. We understand that eye socket injuries can be frightening, and we’re here to provide expert care that gives you the best possible outcome for both your vision and appearance.
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What is Orbital Trauma and Fracture Repair?

Orbital trauma refers to injuries affecting the eye socket, which includes the bones that surround and protect your eye, as well as the muscles, nerves, and soft tissues in this area. These injuries can happen from car accidents, sports injuries, falls, or any impact to the face. Orbital fracture repair involves surgically fixing broken bones around the eye socket and repairing damaged tissues.

The goal is to restore normal eye movement, eliminate double vision, and ensure your eye sits in the correct position. Some injuries need immediate surgery, while others can be monitored and treated later if problems develop. Learn more about our consultation process to get prompt evaluation of your orbital injury.

What Can Orbital Trauma and Fracture Repair Accomplish?

The treatment of orbital traumas aims at resolving several serious issues like the following:

  • Restoring straight eye movements and eliminating double vision
  • Correcting eyes that have sunken or protruded due to fractures
  • Safely removing foreign bodies without compromising vision
  • Repairing damaged tear ducts and restoring normal drainage

Orbital Trauma and Fracture Repair Techniques

We use different approaches to your injury depending on the kind and extent of injury:

Blowout Fracture Repair

When the floor or wall of your eye socket breaks, we access the area through concealed incisions and place a small implant allowing the eye to remain in its normal position rather than sinking down and regaining normal movement.

Orbital Wall Reconstruction

For more extensive fractures, we may need to rebuild entire sections of the eye socket using implants made of materials that integrate well with your natural bone structure.

Foreign Body Removal

When objects penetrate the eye socket, we use specialized techniques and imaging to locate and safely remove them without causing additional damage to vital structures.

Soft Tissue Repair

We repair damaged muscles, nerves, and other tissues that control eye movement and eyelid function; often using microsurgical techniques for the best results.

Procedures Commonly Combined with Orbital Trauma Repair

Orbital trauma repair often requires additional procedures:

Eyelid Reconstruction

When trauma damages the eyelids along with the eye socket, we repair both areas during the same surgery to restore complete function and appearance.

Tear Duct Repair

Impact injuries sometimes damage the drainage system for tears, requiring us to rebuild these delicate channels to prevent chronic tearing.

Scar Revision

After healing, we may need to revise scars or make minor adjustments to optimize both function and cosmetic appearance.

Vision Correction Surgery

Sometimes trauma affects the eye’s focusing ability, and we may coordinate with other specialists for additional vision correction procedures.

How Much Does Orbital Trauma Repair Cost?

Orbital trauma repair is typically covered by medical insurance because these are emergency medical conditions that can affect your vision and eye function. This includes both the initial trauma treatment and any follow-up surgeries needed to optimize results. Insurance coverage varies by plan, but most recognize orbital fracture repair as medically necessary. We work with emergency departments and hospitals to coordinate care and handle insurance authorization. 

Recovery & Results

Recovery from orbital trauma repair varies depending on the severity of your injury and the extent of surgery needed. Most patients experience swelling and bruising around the eyes for 1-2 weeks after surgery. You may have some double vision initially, which usually improves as swelling goes down. Complete healing typically takes 6-8 weeks, though you can usually return to work and light activities within 2-3 weeks. We’ll monitor your progress closely and may recommend vision therapy if needed to help your eyes work together properly again. Most patients achieve good functional recovery with minimal long-term effects when treated promptly by experienced surgeons.

Candidates for Orbital Trauma Repair

You may need orbital trauma treatment if you have:

  • Recent injury to the eye socket or surrounding facial area
  • Double vision or problems with eye movement after trauma
  • Visible changes in eye position or eyelid appearance
  • Foreign objects in or around the eye socket area

LEADERS IN OCULOFACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY IN HOUSTON, THE WOODLANDS, TX AND PENSACOLA, FL

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Houston, TX Location

At our Houston office, we deliver advanced cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery techniques in a welcoming environment. Our experienced team focuses on achieving natural-looking results tailored to each person’s unique anatomy and goals.

Schedule a Consultation at our Houston Location
Orbital Trauma and Fracture Repair 2

The Woodlands, TX Location

In The Woodlands, we offer consultations and clinic services, providing our expertise, artistry, and exceptional care to points north of Houston.

Schedule a Consultation at The Woodlands Location
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Pensacola, FL Location

At our Pensacola office, we deliver advanced eyelid surgery techniques in a serene coastal environment. Our experienced team focuses on achieving natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Schedule a Consultation at The Pensacola Location

Frequently Asked Questions About Orbital Trauma Repair

How quickly do I need surgery after an orbital fracture?
The timing depends on your specific injury and symptoms. Some orbital fractures need immediate surgery within 24-48 hours, especially if you have severe double vision, a trapped eye muscle, or other urgent problems. However, many fractures can be monitored for a week or two to see if symptoms improve on their own. We’ll evaluate your case and recommend the best timing for your situation.
Will I have permanent double vision after orbital trauma?
Many patients with double vision after orbital trauma see significant improvement, especially when treated promptly and appropriately. Simple cases often resolve completely, while more complex injuries may have some residual double vision that can usually be managed with prisms in glasses or additional surgery. The final outcome depends on the extent of muscle and nerve damage.
What are the risks of orbital fracture repair surgery?
Like any surgery around the eyes, there are risks including bleeding, infection, or changes in vision. Specific to orbital surgery, there’s a small risk of persistent double vision, numbness in the cheek or upper lip, or need for additional surgery. However, serious complications are rare when surgery is performed by experienced orbital surgeons, and the benefits usually far outweigh the risks.
Can orbital fractures heal on their own without surgery?
Some small orbital fractures do heal well without surgery, especially if they don’t cause double vision or changes in eye position. We typically monitor these cases for several weeks to see if symptoms improve. However, fractures that cause persistent problems usually require surgical repair to restore normal function.
How long will I be off work after orbital trauma surgery?
Most patients can return to desk work within 1-2 weeks, though you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for about 6 weeks. If your job involves physical labor or potential eye injury risk, you may need to stay out longer or modify your duties temporarily. We’ll provide specific work restrictions based on your job requirements and healing progress.

Contact Us for a Consultation

Ready to get expert care for your eye socket injury and restore normal vision and function? Contact our offices in Houston, The Woodlands, or Pensacola, FL, today to schedule a personalized consultation with our expert surgeons. Let us help you heal properly and get back to seeing clearly with the specialized trauma care and surgical expertise you need right now.

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