Dr Elizabeth Rossin

US researchers have developed an algorithm to enable non-ophthalmologists to assess orbital fracture patients and flag those for ophthalmology referral, after revealing study results demonstrating how specific features in orbital fracture patients are associated with substantial ocular injury risk.

Co-authored by Dr Elizabeth Rossin of the Harvard Department of Ophthalmology and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, USA, the study revealed that blunt trauma with a foreign object, inability to count fingers, roof fracture, diplopia on primary gaze and conjunctival haemorrhage or chemosis are key features indicating possible ocular injury. Intended for use by physicians triaging orbital fracture patients, the assessment tool takes these factors into account and does not require training to use.

“Our algorithm only relies on measures of vision that can be performed quickly and without tools at the bedside, and we include drowsy and intubated patients,” Dr Rossin told Healio. “Even with low sensitivity, we are able to safely identify roughly 30% of patients who did not need an urgent ophthalmic evaluation.”