Evaluating Clinical Practice: An Audit of Ophthalmologic Findings in Patients With Head and Neck Diseases in Otorhinolaryngology

Background and objectives Due to the close anatomical relationship between the eye and the ear, nose, and throat region, orbital involvement and related ophthalmologic symptoms are frequently encountered in the field of otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Understanding this connection is essential for accurate diagnosis, predicting disease progression, and planning effective treatment. This retrospective review explores the occurrence and patterns of ocular manifestations arising from primary otorhinolaryngology and head and neck conditions. Material and methods We conducted a retrospective review of discharge records of patients managed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, between April 2020 and July 2025. The study included only hospitalized adult patients, more than 18 years of age, who were diagnosed with otorhinolaryngology-head and neck conditions and exhibited associated ophthalmologic signs and symptoms. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentations, and confirmed diagnoses. The observed trends were summarized and presented using tables and figures. Results The mean age of the study population was 47 ± 21.5 years. Of the 98 patients, 67 (68.37%) were male and 31 (31.63%) were female. The most frequently observed otorhinolaryngologic condition associated with ophthalmologic manifestations was chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), found in 12 cases (12.24%). This was followed by orbital cellulitis in 11 cases (11.22%), chronic otitis media (COM) with complications in 10 cases (10.20%), and both trauma and acute otitis media (AOM)/mastoiditis in eight cases each (8.16%). The most common ophthalmologic manifestation was epiphora, reported in 44 instances (18.80%), followed by chemosis in 39 cases (16.66%). Conclusions Epiphora and chemosis are the most frequently observed ophthalmologic manifestations in patients with otorhinolaryngology-head and neck diseases. Among these conditions, chronic rhinosinusitis and orbital cellulitis are the most common ear, nose, and tongue (ENT) disorders presenting with ophthalmologic signs and symptoms.