ocular trauma

Question 1

what is hyphema?

Answer 1

Hyphema (blood in the anterior chamber of the eye) - especially in the context of trauma warrants urgent referral to an ophthalmic specialist for assessment and management

Question 2

what is main risk to sight?

Answer 2

The main risk to sight comes from raised intraocular pressure which can develop due to the blockage of the angle and trabecular meshwork with erythrocytes

Question 3

why is strict ed rest needed?

Answer 3

trict bed rest is required as excessive movement can redisperse blood that had previously settled; therefore high-risk cases are often admitted. Even isolated hyphema will require daily ophthalmic review and pressure checks initially as an outpatient.

Question 4

features?

Answer 4

eye pain/swelling
proptosis
‘rock hard’ eyelids
relevant afferent pupillary defect

Question 5

mx?

Answer 5

urgent lateral canthotomy (before diagnostic imaging) to decompress the orbit