2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
8 External Disease and Cornea
Chapter 14: Clinical Aspects of Toxic and Traumatic Injuries of the Anterior Segment
Concussive (Blunt) Trauma
Traumatic Anterior Uveitis
The inflammation present in traumatic anterior uveitis is often associated with decreased vision and perilimbal conjunctival hyperemia. Photophobia, tearing, and ocular pain may occur within 24 hours of injury. The anterior chamber reaction can be surprisingly minimal to cause symptoms of pain and photophobia.
Treatment consists of a topical cycloplegic agent to relieve patient discomfort, as well as topical corticosteroid drops if significant inflammation is present. Once the anterior uveitis has diminished, cycloplegia may be discontinued, and topical corticosteroids should be tapered slowly to prevent rebound anterior uveitis. See BCSC Section 9, Uveitis and Ocular Inflammation, for a more detailed discussion of uveitis.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 10 - Glaucoma. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.