Ocular Changes Following Air-Blast Injury

Abstract

HEAD TRAUMA, particularly that involving orbital fractures, may lead to optic nerve injury. In this case, a blast of air from an air hose at a gasoline service station directed at the eye of a child resulted in optic nerve atrophy. The mode of air-blast induced injury to the eye, and the path traveled by the air to other parts of the body is described. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> A 6-year-old Negro boy was accidently hit in the right eye by a blast of air from a high pressure air hose. His face immediately became swollen but his health was not otherwise altered. Vital signs on admission were blood pressure, 100/70 mm Hg; pulse rate, 120 beats per minute; and respiration rate, 24 per minute. Physical examination at the time revealed a massive subcutaneous emphysema of the entire face. The right eye could not be opened, and the left eye