Ghost cell glaucoma following trauma.

Ghost cell glaucoma was described in 1975. The details of this glaucoma as it occurred following vitrectomy and following cataract extraction have been reported. This glaucoma occurred following trauma as well, and this report describes the clinical and pathologic characteristics. Fourteen patients, five with positive anterior chamber aspirate examinations, were studied. All had in common: (1) severe trauma to the eye, either blunt or penetrating, with hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage; (2) gradual clearing of the anterior chamber hemorrhage and conversion of fresh red blood cells to ghost cells in the vitreous cavity; (3) forward passage of ghost cells into the anterior chamber through a traumatic opening in the anterior hyaloid face; and (4) elevation of intraocular pressure caused by these cells approximately two weeks to three months following the trauma. The glaucoma required medical and often surgical therapy. The surgical procedure of choice was anterior chamber irrigation, which was often effective and is advised before proceeding to vitrectomy. The vitreous findings of an enucleated eye with ghost cell glaucoma are presented.