Traumatic Hyphema-Reply

Abstract

In Rebuttal. —The comments of Drs Spoor and Hammer regarding our work on traumatic hyphema and the salutory effect of oral corticosteroids are appreciated. Their dedication to the scientific method is laudable but, at least in part, may be scientific overkill. When the effect to be observed is whether a hyphema rebleeds, it is doubtful whether one needs either a single- or double-blind study to avoid subject and observer bias. As Drs Spoor and Hammer note, there is a 10% (actually 15%) probability that the conclusion of their study (noneffectiveness) is in error. On the other hand, there is only a 5% probability that the conclusion of our study (effectiveness of oral steroids) is in error. One cannot disagree with their recommendations for a further and larger study. Our purpose, however, is not to produce studies, but rather good results for our patients. Oral steroids do this in traumatic