When the Cost of Vaping Is an Eye: A Case of an Open Globe and Superior Orbital Roof Fracture

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023 Jul-Aug;39(4):e128-e132. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000002385. Epub 2023 Mar 27.

Abstract

The authors report a penetrating orbitocerebral vape pen injury necessitating a primary enucleation and craniotomy to remove the foreign body fragments. A 31-year-old male presented with acute right vision loss after a modifiable vape pen explosion launched multiple projectile fragments into his right eye. CT revealed a deformed globe with multiple radiodense curvilinear fragments in the superior orbital roof and intracranial space. A right frontal craniotomy and orbitotomy with removal of vape pen fragments, reconstruction of the orbital roof, primary enucleation, and eyelid repair were performed in conjunction with neurosurgery. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported penetrating globe injury from a vape pen explosion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Eye Injuries*
  • Foreign Bodies*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orbit / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbit / injuries
  • Orbit / surgery
  • Orbital Fractures* / diagnosis
  • Orbital Fractures* / etiology
  • Orbital Fractures* / surgery
  • Vaping*