[Loss of eyeball and periorbital tissues due to craniofacial trauma: Clinical case].

BACKGROUND

Globe rupture constitutes a severe form of open-globe injury and carries a guarded prognosis with a risk of permanent visual loss. The loss of the eyeball entails functional, psychological, and social repercussions that require a comprehensive approach aimed at timely diagnosis, appropriate management, and patient rehabilitation.

CLINICAL CASE: A 2-year and 1-month-old male patient was brought by his mother to the pediatric emergency department after sustaining craniofacial and ocular trauma caused by the impact of a 45 kg domestic gas tank striking his face while playing at home. This resulted in rupture of the left eyeball and injury to the ipsilateral orbital tissue. Upon arrival at the pediatric emergency department, the patient was consolably crying and did not present any loss of consciousness. He was referred to a tertiary-level care facility for pediatric ophthalmology evaluation. An evisceration of the eyeball was performed, followed by placement of an intraorbital implant and a fenestrated conformer.

CONCLUSIONS

Open globe trauma without a foreign body in young children, although infrequent, represents a serious ophthalmological emergency with a significant risk of permanent visual and anatomical loss. This case highlights an unusual injury mechanism in a 2-year-old child, emphasizing the vulnerability of young children in home environments and the importance of prevention.