Orbital Compartment Syndrome

Orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) is a vision-threatening, emergency condition which is characterized by a rapidly increasing pressure within the confines of the orbital space (Lima et al., Surv Ophthalmol 54(4):441–449, 2009). Most cases of orbital compartment syndrome are the result of facial trauma or surgical procedure. Typical causes of OCS include physical assaults, motor vehicle accidents, and falls (Jenkins et al., Plast Reconstr Surg 33(2):e33–e36, 2017). Response to OCS must be accurate and rapid to save vision. OCS is often treated with oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors as well as topical antiglaucoma therapies. However, lateral canthotomy/cantholysis is often performed to quickly decrease eye pressure which can potentially cause retinal ischemia and permanent vision loss.