Chapter: Ophthalmology: The Ophthalmic Examination
Examination of the Anterior Chamber
Examination of the Anterior Chamber
The anterior chamber is filled with clear
aqueous humor. Cellular infiltration and collection of pus may occur
(hypopyon). Bleeding in the anterior cham-ber is referred to as hyphema.
It is important to evaluate the depth of the
anterior chamber. In a cham-ber of normal depth, the iris can be well
illuminated by a lateral light source (Fig. 1.12). In a shallow
anterior chamber there will be a medial shadow on the iris. The pupillary
dilation should be avoided in patients with shallow ante-rior chambers because
of the risk of precipitating a glaucoma attack. Older patients with “small”
hyperopic eyes are a particular risk group.
Dilation of the pupil with a mydriatic is contraindicated in patients with a
shallow anterior chamber due to the risk of precipitating angle closure
glaucoma.
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