Examination includes making sure that the eye can move in all directions, has normal vision (see normally), and that the eyeball itself looks normal, among other things. Special testing may be necessary to evaluate the retina (area in the eye responsible for seeing).

 There are different types of fractures that can occur around the eye depending on where the facial injury occurred. Fractures can be located on the cheekbone (zygoma), above the eye, below the eye, or in the bones surrounding the eye socket. Early diagnosis of these fractures is important to avoid some later complications; these include the appearance of the eye sinking back into or pushing out of the eye socket, abnormal positioning of the eye, excessive tear production, double vision, or muscle spasms and nerve abnormalities around the eye area.

In addition to eye swelling, and fractures, cuts can occur around the eye. Occasionally a cut will damage the tear (lacrimal) duct, a tube that drains tears from the corner of the eye into the nose. Ophthalmologists are usually involved in the treatment of these lacerations to help prevent later complications with tear production or drainage.

Trauma to the temporal area of the head more commonly results in fractures than any other area of the skull (head). Complications from these types of fractures can include hearing loss or vertigo (feels like the room is spinning around). Although the vertigo can resolve over time, the hearing loss unfortunately is usually permanent. Fractures In this area may also involve the facial nerve (the nerve that moves the face).