Long-term Effects of Uncomplicated Traumatic Hyphema on Corneal and Lenticular Clarity

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term effects of uncomplicated traumatic hyphema on endothelial morphology, anterior segment structure, and corneal and lenticular densitometryMethods: In this retrospective comparative study, eyes with a history of uncomplicated traumatic hyphema were compared with the healthy contralateral unaffected eyes. The corneal endothelial cell properties were captured using specular microscopy. Anterior segment analysis, corneal densitometry (12-mm corneal diameter), and lens densitometry measurements were performed using the Pentacam imaging system.Results: Measurements were obtained at a mean follow-up of 49.5 ± 15.8 months after injury. The average endothelial cell density was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (2,506.6 ± 294.0 cells/mm² vs. 2,665.7 ± 195.0 cells/mm², <i>p</i> = 0.020). There was no difference between the groups in respect of polymegathism and pleomorphism (<i>p</i> = 0.061 and <i>p</i> = 0.558, respectively). All the investigated corneal tomographic and angle parameters were similar in both groups (all <i>p</i> > 0.05). The corneal densitometry values in all concentric zones and layers showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (<i>p</i> > 0.05 for all). The lens zone 1 densitometry value was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (9.6% ± 1.1% vs. 8.9% ± 1.2%, <i>p</i> = 0.031). No difference was observed in zone 2 and 3 (<i>p</i> = 0.170 and <i>p</i> = 0.322, respectively). The degree of hyphema was not correlated with endothelial cell and lenticular clarity loss (<i>p</i> = 0.087 and <i>p</i> = 0.294, respectively).Conclusions: Even if traumatic hyphema is not complicated, long-term outcomes indicate endothelial cell loss and increased lenticular density.