Microtrauma-induced recurrent hyphema and secondary glaucoma associated with chronic acetylsalicylic acid use

To report a case of microtrauma-induced recurrent hyphema and secondary glaucoma associated with voluntary chronic acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) use. A 43-year-old male developed advanced glaucoma in his right eye after a two-month follow-up period of recurrent microhyphema, which had been induced by strong eye-rubbing. In spite of topical and systemic antiglaucoma medication, as well as topical corticosteroid and cycloplegic drugs and bed rest under hospitalization, the hyphema and glaucoma were not controlled. His medical history revealed that he had been using ASA for 2 years in order to prevent heart attacks. We asked the patient to stop ASA intake and the hyphema cleared considerably on the third day after discontinuation of the drug. One week after stopping ASA, trabeculectomy with mitomycin C was performed without any complications. Glaucoma and recurrent hyphema were controlled after surgery without any medical treatment. Chronic ASA intake may cause recurrent hyphema and secondary glaucoma even after a microtrauma. Medical histories of patients must always be taken, especially in cases of prolonged recurrent hyphema.