Definition
Enophthalmos is an abnormal hollowing of the eyeball in the orbit.
As a rule, the protrusion of the eye is 12-16 mm, while in the enophthalm the bulbar protrusion can go down to 2-9 mm.
Enophthalmos is common in elderly subjects, due to the decrease in adipose tissue in the orbit. In pathological conditions, on the other hand, it can be found in case of violent traumas (it is typical in the event of the orbital breakthrough), states of severe dehydration and cachectic syndromes. Possible other causes are the compressions and lesions on a traumatic or tumor base of trunks and nerve roots of the cervical sympathetic.
Enophthalmos is a characteristic symptom of Horner's syndrome and Pancoast's cancer (a form of lung apex cancer). In such conditions, it is often associated with ptosis (lowering of the upper eyelid) and miosis (narrowing of the pupil). The eyeball sagging can also lead to diplopia, hypotropia (eye movement downwards) and reduced eye motility.
Possible Causes * of Enophthalmos
- Pregnancy hyperemesis
- Horner syndrome
- Marfan syndrome
- Lung cancer
