Intraocular pressure changes secondary to reduction of orbito-zygomatic complex fractures.

PURPOSE To investigate intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in the involved eye during orbito-zygomatic complex fracture reduction, compared with the IOP of the eye on the uninjured side. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty patients who presented with displaced, isolated unilateral orbito-zygomatic complex fractures were enrolled. IOPs were measured using a Tono-Pen XL (Medtronic Solan, Jacksonville, FL) in the involved eye and in the non-involved eye. Pressure was recorded at 5 time points (before general anesthetic induction, after induction, immediately after fracture reduction, post operation while still under general anesthetic, and 15 minutes post general anesthetic). RESULTS There were no significant differences between the injured and control data at any time point. Average IOPs for the involved and control eye decreased after anesthetic induction; however, IOP increased in both eyes after fracture reduction. CONCLUSION There is no statistical evidence of a difference between the IOP of the control and injured eyes. Routine IOP testing is not indicated during orbito-zygomatic fracture reduction.