Acute suprachoroidal hemorrhage during clear corneal phacoemulsification using topical and intracameral anesthesia

Shallowing of the anterior chamber and hardening of the eye occurred just before commencement of irrigation/aspiration of cortex in an 80-year-old man having temporal clear corneal cataract surgery under topical and intracameral anesthesia. Nucleus removal had been completed and was uneventful. Intraoperative fundus examination with the indirect ophthalmoscope disclosed a choroidal hemorrhage. The wound was immediately closed with sutures, and intravenous mannitol was administered. The hemorrhage remained localized. The red reflex remained unchanged at all times, and there was no prolapse of intraocular contents. A high index of suspicion is critical to the early diagnosis and management of choroidal hemorrhage.