Common Eye and Ear Conditions: Symptoms and Causes

Eyes

Orbital Hematoma (Black Eye)

An orbital hematoma, commonly known as a black eye, results from a blow to the area surrounding the eye, which causes capillary bleeding.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Noticeable swelling and discoloration around the orbit.

Orbital Fracture

An orbital fracture is caused by a direct blow to the eyeball, forcing it posteriorly. This action compresses the orbital fat until a blowout rupture occurs to the floor of the orbit.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Diplopia (double vision)
• Restricted eye movement
• Downward displacement of the eye

Hyphema

A hyphema is a collection of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, typically resulting from blunt trauma to the eye. This is a major eye injury that can lead to serious problems.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Visible reddish tinge in the anterior chamber (blood may turn pea green).
• Vision is partially or completely blocked.

Corneal Abrasion

A corneal abrasion results from rubbing the eye when there is a foreign object in it, getting poked in the eye, or wearing dirty contact lenses.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Severe pain
• Watering of the eye
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Spasm of the orbicular muscle of the eyelid

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, often caused by a direct blow to the eye.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Painless.
• Early signs include: specks floating before the eye, flashes of light, or blurred vision.
• Progresses to a sensation of a curtain falling over the field of vision.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a conjunctival irritation caused by a virus, allergens, dust, smoke, or air pollution. It is often associated with the common cold or other respiratory conditions.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Eyelid swelling with purulent discharge.
• Itching, especially if associated with an allergy.
• Eye may be glued shut in the morning.

Hordeolum (Sty)

A hordeolum, commonly known as a sty, is an infection of the sebaceous gland at the edge of the eyelid, typically a staph infection.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Erythema (redness) of the eye.
• Localizes into a painful pustule within a few days.

Ears

Auricular Hematoma (Cauliflower Ear)

An auricular hematoma, commonly known as cauliflower ear, results from subcutaneous bleeding and subsequent scar tissue formation due to compression or shear injury to the ear.

Characteristics:

• Subcutaneous bleeding in the auricle.
• Formation of scar tissue.
• Deformed appearance of the ear (cauliflower-like).

Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear)

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is a bacterial infection of the ear canal. It can be caused by water trapped in the ear, inadequate drying, or the ear canal being plugged by earwax.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Pain
• Pressure
• Itching
• Swelling of the ear canal
• Pain when tugging the earlobe

Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)

Otitis media is a bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear, typical in small children and babies.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Plugged ear feeling
• Pressure
• Pain
• Fever
• Swollen, red, opaque Tympanic Membrane (TM)

Tympanic Membrane Rupture

A tympanic membrane rupture can occur due to changes in pressure (Mechanism of Injury - MOI), infection, direct trauma, or puncture.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Pain
• Difficulty hearing
• Dizziness

Impacted Cerumen (Earwax Buildup)

Impacted cerumen is an excessive accumulation of earwax that clogs the ear canal.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Muffled hearing or hearing loss.
• Typically no pain.