Diplopia due to barotrauma

Abstract

Case report: A 38-year-old woman who, during a scuba dive at 7 metres, suffered from eye pain, hyperaemia, and exophthalmos. She was diagnosed with ocular barotrauma with transient diplopia. She was seen in the emergency room 10 days later, with no diplopia, but mild left proptosis. In the computed tomography an image of extraconal occupation is observed in the left orbital roof. The magnetic resonance confirmed an intraorbital haematoma.

Discussion: Ocular barotrauma is usually a benign condition mostly occurring in an inexperienced diver. However, a detailed examination is important to rule out potential vision and life threatening conditions.

Keywords: Barotrauma; Diplopia; Exoftalmos; Exophthalmos; Hematoma intraorbitario; Hemorragia subconjuntival; Intraorbital haematoma; Subconjunctival hemorrhagh.