Which fracture type is typically caused by a severe blow to the eye?

The type of fracture typically caused by a severe blow to the eye is a blowout fracture. This injury specifically occurs when there is an impact to the face that results in the fracture of the orbital floor or the walls surrounding the eye. Such force can lead to the displacement of bone fragments, often associated with the loss of vision or other ocular complications due to the involvement of the adjacent structures.

In the case of a blowout fracture, the force transmitted to the eye can cause an area of the orbital bone to collapse inward, rather than breaking into several pieces or creating a depressed area as seen in other types of fractures. This distinguishes it from a comminuted fracture, which involves the bone breaking into multiple fragments, and a depressed fracture, where a segment of bone is pushed inward.

A Salter-Harris fracture pertains to the growth plates in children and does not typically involve direct traumas like those that would lead to a blowout fracture. Therefore, the distinguishing characteristics of a blowout fracture make it the correct answer when considering injuries resulting from a severe impact to the eye area.