[Diplopia as a factor influencing occupational and social activities of people after orbital trauma].

BACKGROUND

Eye injuries are one of the most common sequelae of facial trauma. On the other hand extraocular muscle involvement entails the ocular motility disorders and double vision. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of orbital trauma on the social and professional activities of patients.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The material consisted of 44 patients after orbital trauma. The objective assessment of the ocular apparatus, especially eye alignment and subjective complaints was performed. All patients were interviewed with a questionnaire in order to assess the impact of visual disorders on daily, and socio-professional activities.

RESULTS

The patients were mostly manual workers, living in urban areas, in whom assaults were the main cause of injury. Most of them showed good visual acuity, but 59% exhibited double vision. The ability to perform the former occupation was retained in 45.5% and 20.5% of workers could not perform the former job. Total or partial inability to work was certified in 23% of subjects. Orbital trauma also affected the functional vision of patients and decreased their quality of life; 30% of patients felt significant limitations in social function and 12% remained dependent on others for their daily activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital trauma and resulting double vision is an important factor influencing the professional activity. Double vision limits the ability to return to work, despite the lack of damage to the eyeballs and preserved good visual acuity. Orbital trauma causing diplopia does not significantly affect the social activities of the patients or their ability to drive.