Delayed suprachoroidal hemorrhage after cataract surgery

Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2012 Fall;6(4):390-2. doi: 10.1097/ICB.0b013e3182437da2.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the clinical course of 61-year-old man who developed a delayed suprachoroidal hemorrhage 4 days after cataract surgery.

Method: This is an observational case report. The patient's clinical course is reviewed, and his clinical findings are correlated to B-scan ultrasonography and posterior funduscopic photography. We describe a successful surgical intervention with external sclerotomy and partial drainage of the suprachoroidal hemorrhage.

Results: Initial medical management of delayed suprachoroidal hemorrhage failed to improve the patient's pain, vision, and clinical findings. Two weeks later, an external sclerotomy with partial drainage of the suprachoroidal blood resulted in an expedited pain relief, with complete resolution of the suprachoroidal hemorrhage and restoration of baseline visual acuity.

Conclusion: Delayed suprachoroidal hemorrhage is a well-recognized but rare postoperative complication of cataract surgery. This case highlights the benefits of a timely surgical intervention after conservative management. We propose that a conservative external surgical approach with partial drainage of a suprachoroidal hemorrhage and closure by secondary intention was sufficient to tip the balance of intraocular hemodynamics and led to full recuperation.