Shallow anterior chamber and uveal effusion after nonperforating trauma to the eye

Three patients (a 51-year-old man, an 8-year-old boy, and a 70-year-old man) developed shallowing of the anterior chamber and uveal effusion after blunt ocular injuries. After treatment with antibiotics (all three patients), corticosteroids (one patient), a mydriatic-cycloplegic solution (two patients), and antiglaucoma drugs (one patient), the shallowing and uveal effusion resolved. Because resolution occurred within two weeks in all three cases, surgical intervention was unnecessary. Both hypotony, which is common after nonpenetrating ocular injuries, and shallowing of the anterior chamber, which is rare, may result from localized uveal effusion that is clinically undetectable.