Controversies in the pathophysiology and management of hyphema

Surv Ophthalmol. 2016 May-Jun;61(3):297-308. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2015.11.005. Epub 2015 Nov 26.

Abstract

Traumatic hyphemas present dilemmas to physicians. There are numerous controversies pertaining to the optimal approach to traumatic hyphema and no standardized guidelines for its management. We address some of these controversies and present a pragmatic approach. We discuss various medical agents and surgical techniques available for treatment, along with the indications for their use. We address the complications associated with hyphema and how to diagnose and manage them and consider the management of hyphema in special situations such as in children and sickle-cell anemia and in rare clinical syndromes such as recurrent hyphema after placement of anterior chamber intraocular lenses.

Keywords: angle recession; hyphema; surgical drainage; traumatic glaucoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Chamber / physiopathology*
  • Antifibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Eye Injuries / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hyphema / etiology
  • Hyphema / physiopathology*
  • Hyphema / therapy*
  • Mydriatics / therapeutic use
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures

Substances

  • Antifibrinolytic Agents
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Mydriatics