To characterize the epidemiology and outcomes of hyphema. Methods: Retrospective case series. Medical records from patients with traumatic and spontaneous hyphema seen at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins, from 2011 through 2017 were evaluated. Aetiology, demographics, clinical characteristics, complications, management and outcomes were ascertained. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), rebleeding and poor outcome (final visual acuity ≤ 20/40) in traumatic hyphema. A safe frequency of follow-up was retrospectively determined. Results: Traumatic hyphema (n = 152) was more common in males (78%) and adults (55%), with sports/recreational activities being the most frequent cause (40%). Elevated IOP was the most common complication (39%). Rebleeding occurred in seven patients (5%) and was more likely with a higher IOP on presentation (OR:1.1; p = 0.004). Thirty-seven patients (24%) had a poor outcome, mostly due to traumatic sequelae such as cataract (32%) or posterior segment involvement (30%). A poor outcome was more likely with worse presenting visual acuity (OR: 9.1; p = 0.001), rebleeding (OR: 37.5; p = 0.035) and age > 60 years (OR: 16.0; p = 0.041). Spontaneous hyphema (n = 28) did not have a gender predominance and was more common in adults > 60 years (71%). The most common cause was iris neovascularization (61%). Complications and visual outcomes were worse compared with traumatic hyphema. Conclusions: Traumatic hyphema continues to be common in young males engaging in sports, necessitating increased awareness for preventive eyewear. Older age and rebleeding can lead to poor outcomes. Elevated IOP at presentation predisposes to rebleeding and warrants frequent follow-up. Otherwise, routine follow-up at days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 is sufficient for uncomplicated cases.

Purpose: To report the clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes of hyphema in patients with sickle cell trait (SCT). Design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records of SCT patients (confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis) presenting with hyphema at the Wilmer Eye Institute over 10 years (January 2008 through December 2017) were reviewed in detail. Data were collected regarding etiology, demographics, clinical course and management. Main outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity (VA). Results: A total of 14 black patients (males: 57%; median age: 20 years) were included in the study with a median follow-up of 4 months (range: 1 week to 6 years). Ten patients had traumatic hyphema with a mean presenting VA of approximately 1.10 logMAR (Snellen equivalent=20/250) and a mean presenting IOP of 40 mmHg. Nine of them required medical intervention to lower IOP, and six of them ultimately required surgical intervention, primarily in the form of anterior chamber paracentesis and/or washout. The mean time to achieve IOP control was 3 days, and the mean final VA was approximately 0.10 logMAR (Snellen Equivalent=20/25). Four patients had non-traumatic hyphema with a mean presenting VA of approximately 1.8 logMAR (Snellen equivalent=20/1260) and a mean presenting IOP of 31 mmHg. Three of them required medical intervention to lower IOP, and two of them ultimately required surgical intervention. Overall, seven patients underwent anterior chamber washout, six needed an anterior chamber paracentesis to lower the IOP, two required tube shunt placement procedures and one patient underwent a trabeculectomy. The mean time to achieve IOP control was 5 days, and the mean final VA was approximately 0.80 logMAR (Snellen equivalent=20/125). Conclusion: Patients with SCT are likely to develop elevated IOP in the setting of hyphema, with a majority requiring one or more surgical interventions to achieve IOP control.