[Hyphema with secondary hemorrhage: think about sickle cell disease].

The Authors report a case of a 13-Year-old white child who presented a grade I hyphema, anterior chamber inflammation after trauma. He presented a secondary hemorrhage with increased intraocular pressure that was not controlled within 48 h, thus requiring surgical intervention. A hemoglobin electrophoresis and hemostasis test showed a sickle cell trait. After hemorrhage resorption, the ocular fundus showed substantial retinal hemorrhage. The final visual outcome was poor and attributed to optic atrophy. Sickle cell trait is a significant risk factor for secondary hemorrhage, increased intraocular pressure, and permanent visual impairement in children who have traumatic hyphemas following blunt trauma.