Treatment of traumatic hyphaema

Abstract

In a series of 128 cases of traumatic hyphaema, with the expected proportion of associated lesions, treatment comprised partial rest in bed for 3 to 4 days without binocular or pin-point spectacles, accompanied by the local administration of strong mydriatics and cortisone. If the hyphaema was large no local drugs were applied. Secondary hyphaema and glaucoma were treated by the usual methods. The visual acuity was 0-0.1 in 29 per cent. on admission. After treatment it was 0-5-2-0 in 92 per cent. and 1 0-2-0 in 82 per cent. Their greater freedom of movement did not increase the number of complications. If binocular spectacles are not used, local mydriatics and cortisone improve secondary iritis and slight hypertonia and prevent secondary hyphaema.