What is the recommended intervention for a patient experiencing ocular complications from a retrobulbar hematoma?

When a patient presents with ocular complications due to a retrobulbar hematoma, one of the most critical interventions is performing a lateral canthotomy. This procedure is primarily indicated when there are signs of increased intraorbital pressure that may jeopardize vision, such as proptosis, optic nerve dysfunction, or severe pain.

The lateral canthotomy allows for the release of pressure within the orbit by cutting the lateral canthal ligament, effectively decompressing the hematoma and restoring normal orbital anatomy. This immediate intervention can be sight-saving, particularly in cases of acute vision loss resulting from the hematoma.

In terms of timing and urgency, other options such as drug therapy or monitoring do not appropriately address the immediate threat to the patient's vision posed by the hematoma. Waiting and monitoring could lead to irreversible damage to the optic nerve or loss of vision, which makes such an approach inadequate for ocular complications associated with a retrobulbar hematoma. Surgical decompression may also be necessary if the situation does not improve or if the hematoma is extensive, but the priority in acute situations is to promptly relieve pressure through a lateral canthotomy.