Upon admission, Ms. Hanh had almost complete loss of vision. She stated that her vision was normal before rapidly blurring within a short period. CT scan results revealed that sinusitis had spread into the eye socket, affecting structures related to visual function.

Dr. Bui Viet Hung, Head of the Vitreoretinal Department at the High-Tech Eye Center, Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, identified one of the patient's upper molars had been severely decayed for many years. Results indicated that the dental sinusitis had caused orbital complications, severely impacting vision.

According to Dr. Hung, the roots of the upper molars are close to the floor of the maxillary sinus. When tooth decay causes a pulp infection or affects the periapical region, bacteria can spread into the sinus, leading to dental sinusitis. The infection can then further spread to the eye socket, causing periorbital inflammation, abscess formation, or damage to visual structures, which can result in vision loss or complete loss of vision in severe cases.

"This is a rare but dangerous complication", Dr. Hung stated, adding that the severity does not always correlate with the level of tooth pain.

Dr. Hung examines Ms. Hanh's vision. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Due to the infection and damage affecting multiple areas, the patient received multidisciplinary treatment involving the High-Tech Eye Center, ENT, and Maxillofacial departments. The team prioritized controlling inflammation and limiting further damage to the eye socket structures, aiming to preserve and restore Ms. Hanh's vision. Doctors administered antibiotics to control the infection, treated the sinusitis and the decayed tooth, and closely monitored her vision to assess the response.

Following treatment, her vision improved, allowing her to see and recognize images again. She was discharged and continues with follow-up appointments for monitoring.

Doctors advise against underestimating chronic tooth decay or sinusitis symptoms. Patients should seek early examination and treatment to limit the risk of widespread infection. If eye pain, swelling around the eyes, blurred vision, vision loss, or other eye abnormalities occur while experiencing dental issues or sinusitis, patients should consult a specialist promptly for diagnosis and timely intervention.

By Thu Giang