Retrobulbar hemorrhagic lesions can be classified in two groups: intraorbital hematoma and subperiosteal hematoma.

The first type can be divided in two groups: focal and diffuse. The type of intraorbital haematoma has impact on therapeutic decision: a focal haematoma can be more early drained.

Instead, subperiosteal hematomas represent a rare but well defined clinical entity; they are more frequently seen in children, due to the loose adhesion of periostium in these patients, that can be easily detached from orbital bones by an hemorrhagic mass, with resultant proptosis and compromise of the optic nerve.

Unfrequently, this kind of retrobulbar hemorrage can be associated to the presence of an extradural intracranial hematoma; this condition is known as a real diagnostic and therapeutic emergency.

The importance of a precise, fast and reliable diagnosis is due to severity of ocular symptoms that can lead to loss of vision.

Radiologic diagnosis mainly relies on Computed Tomography (CT) an Magnetic Resonance (MRI).