The case example presented shows that an orbital emphysema with exophthalmos can occur as a rare complication of a transconjunctival pars plana vitrectomy. Close monitoring of the patient symptoms, ocular motility, intraocular pressure and the fundus showed no evidence of compressive optic neuropathy or perfusion abnormalities through orbital vessels. The exophthalmos resolved spontaneously within a few days without any consequences.
Keywords: Computed tomography; Fluid-Air-Exchange; Orbital emphysema; Pars-plana-vitrectomy.