Characteristics of Retrobulbar Hemorrhage Presentation in the Emergency Department.

PURPOSE: To describe demographic and clinical features of emergency department patients presenting with fracture-associated (FA) or fracture-independent retrobulbar hemorrhage (RBH).

METHODS

The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample database 2018 and 2019 was used to compare demographic and clinical features of patients with fracture-independent RBH and FA RBH.

RESULTS

A total of 444 fracture-independent and 359 FA RBH patients were identified. Demographics such as age distribution, gender, and payer type differed significantly, with young (21-44 years), privately insured males more likely to develop FA RBH and the elderly (65+ years) more likely to develop fracture-independent RBH. Prevalence of hypertension and anticoagulation did not differ, but substance use and ocular-related injuries were more prevalent in the FA RBH.

CONCLUSION

Presentations of RBH differ in demographic and clinical features. Further research is needed to explore trends and guide decision-making in the emergency department.