Clinical Study Of Hyphaema In Patients Attending Khartoum Eye Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Hyphaema is a common problem seen in ophthalmology, and it is one of the important complications of contusion or perforating injuries to the globe. Purpose: This study was done to estimate the causes of hyphaema among Sudanese patients , to evaluate its magnitude and the associated intraocular injuries in KETH. Method: A descriptive study was done in KETH for six months time, from August 2001 to January 2002. 100 eyes of 100 patients were studied. Testing was done by ophthalmic examination and other investigations such as eye ultrasonography and X- rays. Results:The maximum affected age varied between 10 – 19 years. Males were more affected than females. Trauma was found to be the major cause of hyphaema accounting for 86%. Percentage of open globe injuries was 27.9% and of closed globe injures 72.1%. Complications recorded were corneal blood staining ( 2%) ,rebleeding(4%) and elevated IOP( >35mmHg) in11% . Corneal perforation associated with hyphaema due to trauma was found in 21 eyes out of 100 eyes, iris prolapse in 11 eyes, dislocated lens in one eye and ruptured lens in 2 eyes. 8 Vitreous haemorrhage was found in 15 eyes with hyphaema and RD in 10 eyes. The percentage of blindness in patiants presented to KETH with hyphaema and associated injuries in this six months period was 33% Conclusions: It is proved that trauma is the major cause of hyphaema and most of injuries were closed globe injuries,while surgically induced- and spontaneous hyphaemas represent the second and third causes respectively. The children and young adults were the most affected group in this study. Recommendations: Good observation of childern at home and school to prevent eye injuries,health education about eye trauma and the importance of proper management and establishment of vitrectomy and RD surgery units to treat any associated posterior segment injuries.