Blunt ocular trauma and hyphaema

138 consecutive cases of traumatic hyphaema treated at Royal Perth Hospital were studied retrospectively. 47% of cases were caused by sporting injuries; 21% by squash alone. 105 cases were available for follow-up examination at 6 weeks. Using chi 2 distribution the finding of worse than 6/12 vision at follow-up was significantly related to the occurrence of major associated ocular injury, and also to the occurrence of secondary haemorrhage. The benefit of hospital admission is doubtful when compared to the cost. Modern therapeutic modalities including anti-fibrinolytics have improved the prognosis of secondary haemorrhage.