Ocular contusion with microhyphema and commotio retinae.

Abstract

Background: Blunt force trauma can affect all structures in the eye, frequently causing complications such as hyphema or microhyphema. A hyphema is defined as bleeding in the anterior chamber that layers and forms a visible clot. A microhyphema occurs when the red blood cells are suspended in the anterior chamber, and do not form a layered clot. Microhyphema is a rarely reported, visually significant complication. Ocular trauma is the second most common cause of visual impairment, and appropriate management must be executed swiftly and efficiently to maximize a patient's visual potential;

Case report: A 21-year-old Indian male presented after ocular contusion to the right eye. His visual acuity was reduced at initial presentation. Pertinent clinical findings included red blood cells in the anterior chamber and ecchymosis of the orbital adnexa, with associated conjunctival injection. Subsequently, the patient developed commotio retinae;

Conclusion: It is important for clinicians to take a detailed case history of the event, perform a thorough ocular exam, select proper treatment/therapy, monitor the patient closely, and make appropriate referrals as needed. This case report discusses the clinical findings, treatment, and management of 1 patient with an ocular contusion resulting in microhyphema and commotio retinae.