Subconjunctival emphysema is the presence of air beneath the conjunctiva.
Causes
(1) orbital trauma
(2) ophthalmologic or periorbital surgery
(3) barotrauma
(3a) diver
(3b) high pressure compressed air
(4) mechanical ventilation
(5) other thoracic disorder (pneumothorax, thoracic surgery, kinked intercostal chest drain, etc)
Orbital/periorbital emphysema is often present
Severe subconjunctival emphysema may affect ocular motility and/or eyelid closure. A patient may have:
(1) diplopia
(2) lagophthalmos
(3) exposure keratopathy
