Anterior Chamber Paracentesis

OVERVIEW

Anterior chamber paracentesis is a precise, minimally invasive eye procedure where your ophthalmologist removes a small amount of fluid from the front part of the eye, called the anterior chamber. Doctors perform this procedure to quickly lower high eye pressure, obtain fluid for laboratory testing, or help manage certain urgent eye conditions. Because the opening is very small, the procedure is usually fast and controlled.

WHAT THIS PROCEDURE IS USED FOR

Your doctor may recommend anterior chamber paracentesis for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. For example, it can rapidly reduce dangerously high intraocular pressure. In other cases, it helps identify infection or inflammation by allowing laboratory analysis of the eye fluid. As a result, your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and start targeted treatment sooner.

Common indications include:

1. Sudden, very high eye pressure that threatens vision
2. Suspected eye infection or severe inflammation
3. Selected glaucoma emergencies
4. Need for laboratory testing of intraocular fluid

HOW THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED

Your ophthalmologist performs anterior chamber paracentesis under sterile conditions. First, the eye is cleaned and numbed using anesthetic drops. Next, the doctor uses a very fine sterile instrument or needle to create a tiny entry at the edge of the cornea. A small amount of fluid is then gently withdrawn. Afterward, the doctor checks the eye pressure and ensures that the wound is self-sealed.

In most cases, the procedure takes only a few minutes. Because it uses topical anesthesia, patients usually remain comfortable throughout the process.

WHAT YOU MAY FEEL

You may feel mild pressure or slight discomfort, but sharp pain is uncommon. Since the eye is numb, most patients tolerate the procedure well. After the procedure, you might notice mild irritation, tearing, or a foreign body sensation. However, these symptoms usually improve quickly.

BENEFITS AND CLINICAL VALUE

Anterior chamber paracentesis offers rapid and direct clinical benefit in selected cases. Most importantly, it can quickly lower eye pressure and help protect the optic nerve. In addition, laboratory analysis of the collected fluid can guide precise treatment. Therefore, this procedure often supports faster and more accurate medical decisions.

POSSIBLE RISKS AND LIMITATIONS

Although doctors perform this procedure with great care, all invasive eye procedures carry some risk. Potential complications include temporary discomfort, infection, bleeding, pressure fluctuation, or injury to nearby structures. Nevertheless, when an experienced ophthalmologist performs the procedure with proper sterile technique, serious complications remain uncommon.

AFTERCARE AND RECOVERY

After the procedure, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops. You should avoid rubbing the eye and follow all medication instructions closely. Moreover, you need follow-up checks so your doctor can monitor eye pressure and healing. Most patients return to normal activities soon, unless the underlying disease requires further treatment.

IMPORTANT NOTE

This service description provides general patient education. Your ophthalmologist will still evaluate your specific condition, explain your options, and recommend the most appropriate management for your eye health.