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Hyphemas commonly follow trabecular meshwork ablation in open-angle glaucoma
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SAN FRANCISCO — Trabecular meshwork ablation is generally safe in treating open-angle glaucoma even though hyphemas may occur afterward, according to a physician.
“It is important to remember that hyphemas can occur anytime when there is blood reflux,” Arthur J. Sit, SM, MD, said at the American Glaucoma Society annual meeting.
Hyphemas can occur anytime the pressure gradient is reversed, including the lateral decubitus sleep position, in which the eye is compressed by the pillow and suddenly decompressed upon wakening, Sit said.
Sit noted that the onset of hyphemas can be minimized by keeping the IOP higher than the episcleral venous pressure and avoiding compression and decompression of the eye.
Topical steroids may be used to manage inflammation; however, they are not essential, Sit said
“Patient education is necessary so that they can recognize the symptoms,” he said. “Most importantly, IOP needs to be monitored and managed.”
Disclosure: Sit receives research support from Glaukos, American Health Assistance Foundation, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, National Institutes of Health and Research to Prevent Blindness and is a consultant for AcuMEMS, Alcon Laboratories, Allergan, Glaukos, Sensimed and Sucampo Pharma Americas.