An Observational Study to Assess the Visual Outcome Following the Management of Hyphema in Patients with Blunt Trauma

Purpose: To assess the visual acuity of a patient presenting with hyphema due to blunt ocular injury and the visual outcome following the management of hyphema.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam, over three months. Fifty patients aged 10–50 years with hyphema due to blunt ocular trauma were included. Patients with posterior segment pathology or requiring surgical intervention were excluded. All patients underwent detailed ocular examination, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and slit-lamp evaluation. Follow-up assessments were performed weekly for four weeks and continued up to three months. Visual acuity was recorded and hyphema graded based on anterior chamber involvement.

Results: Among 50 patients, 86% were males, with the majority (46%) aged below 20 years (mean age 26.54 ± 12.83 years). Sports-related injuries, assaults, and accidental trauma were the most common causes. Grade 2 hyphema was most frequent (52%). At presentation, most patients had visual acuity between 6/9 and 6/36. During follow-up, significant improvement was observed (p < 0.001), with 50% achieving 6/6 vision and 28% achieving 6/9. Complications were minimal, with only 2% each showing corneal blood staining and angle recession.

Conclusion: Early and appropriate management of hyphema following blunt ocular trauma results in favorable visual outcomes. Lower grades of hyphema are associated with better prognosis, highlighting the importance of timely intervention and preventive measures.