Penetrating orbital trauma.

A small number of patients suffer penetrating injury to the orbit in the absence of trauma to the globe. Hospital records from the Jules Stein Eye Institute and affiliated hospitals were reviewed to obtain such cases. Five cases of penetrating orbital trauma, in which the globe was spared, are discussed. Many of the injuries initially appeared trivial but subsequent complications were severe. A review of these cases suggests that the shape and speed of the penetrating object, the anatomical location of the entry wound, and the physical characteristics of intraorbital structures determine the character and severity of orbital injuries.