Value of computed tomography for the diagnosis of a ruptured eye.

The diagnosis of scleral perforation of the globe following ocular trauma is often obvious on physical examination, but occult perforations occur frequently. In addition to locating intraorbital foreign bodies and associated facial bone fractures, computed tomography of the orbit can suggest an occult scleral rupture. Posterior collapse of the sclera causes flattening of the posterior contour of the globe, the "flat tire" sign. Other associated findings that are suggestive of scleral rupture are intraocular foreign body or gas, thickening of the sclera posteriorly, and a blood-vitreous fluid-fluid level.