Ocular injuries associated with traumatic hyphema in a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic hyphema is one of the most challenging clinical problems frequently encountered by ophthalmologists. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of ocular injuries in patients being managed for traumatic hyphema in this center to have a strategic plan to reduce consequential visual sequelae from the injury. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted based on the data obtained from an eye clinic from January 2010 to July 2017. Information on demographic characteristics, chief presenting complaints and duration of symptoms before presentation, laterality, presenting visual acuity, grade of hyphema, intraocular pressure, associated ocular injury, and treatment offered were obtained. Results: Traumatic hyphema constituted 4.2% of all ocular emergencies seen in this center. There were 37 (82.2%) males and 8 (17.8%) females with a male-to-female ratio of 4.6:1.0. Of the 45 cases, 32 (71.1%) patients presented with blindness in the affected eye with the worst presentation occurring in Grade 4 hyphema. Thirty-three patients (73.3%) presented more than 24 h to the eye facility, age, and eye pain significantly affected the duration of presentation. The prevalence of ocular injuries in patients that had traumatic hyphema was 34 (75.6%). Fourteen (31.1%) patients presented with corneal injury ranging from corneal abrasions to corneal laceration. Conclusion: The prevalence of associated ocular injuries in patients with traumatic hyphema was high with corneal injuries as the most ranked complications. Reduction of consequential poor visual prognosis would include counseling on early presentation, meticulous examination of the injured eye, and quick and appropriate surgical intervention as indicated to prevent corneal staining.