Emphysema of the periorbital soft tissues may follow a number of events.
Patient selection: periorbital emphysema
Conditions that may cause orbital emphysema:
(1) fracture of the ethmoid sinus or orbital floor
(2) forceful blowing of the nose
(3) exposure to compressed air
(4) gas-forming bacterial infection in the orbit (cellulitis, abscess, etc)
(5) osteomyelitis
(6) use of a high-speed dental drill with air-water spray
(7) mechanical ventilation (associated with subconjunctival emphysema)
(8) dental extraction
