The use of tissue plasminogen activator in post-traumatic total hyphaema.

BACKGROUND

We wanted to evaluate whether intracameral injection of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is useful in managing traumatic hyphaema.

METHODS

Two eyes with total hyphaema after a severe penetrating injury were treated with a single intracameral injection of 25 micrograms of tPA 5 and 14 days after the injury, respectively.

RESULTS

Most of the blood coagulum dissolved within 24 h, and in one of the two eyes the intraocular pressure decreased from 45 to 8 mmHg. The other eye was hypotonic. No re-bleeding or complications related to the use of tPA were noticed.

CONCLUSION

The results in these two cases suggest that tPA is a useful adjunct in managing total hyphaema.