Hyphema
Also known as Blood in the Front of the Eye, Traumatic Hyphema, Anterior Chamber Bleed, Eye Blood Level
Bottom Line
Hyphema is blood trapped in the clear space at the front of the eye. It usually follows eye trauma and needs same-day eye care.
Hyphema means blood has collected in the anterior chamber, the fluid space between the cornea and iris. Blunt or sharp eye trauma is the most common cause 1.
The blood can block vision and raise eye pressure. Doctors watch closely for repeat bleeding, pressure spikes, corneal blood staining, and glaucoma 2.
Most smaller traumatic hyphemas are treated with an eye shield, activity limits, pressure checks, and anti-inflammatory drops. Some cases need surgery if pressure stays high or blood does not clear 3.
How Doctors Diagnose Hyphema
A slit-lamp exam lets the doctor see blood in the front chamber. The doctor also measures eye pressure and checks for other injuries.
If trauma was strong, the exam may include a dilated retina check or imaging. The goal is to rule out a cut in the eye, retinal damage, and lens injury 2.
Treatment And Home Safety
Treatment depends on the size of the bleed, eye pressure, and other injuries. Common steps include an eye shield, head elevation, rest, and drops for inflammation.
Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen unless your doctor says they are safe. These medicines can raise bleeding risk in some people.
Surgery is uncommon, but it may be needed when pressure stays high or blood threatens the cornea 3.
Who Needs Closer Follow-Up
People with sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait need extra caution. Even a smaller hyphema can cause a dangerous pressure rise.
Children, people on blood thinners, and anyone who cannot return for daily checks may need closer monitoring. Your eye doctor decides the safest plan 1.
Common Questions About Hyphema
Next Steps
- 1Seek same-day urgent eye care for visible blood inside the eye.
- 2Use an eye shield if one was given, and do not rub the eye.
- 3Tell the eye doctor about sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, blood thinners, or bleeding disorders.
- 4Avoid sports, heavy lifting, and aspirin-like pain medicine unless your doctor says otherwise.
- 5Keep every pressure check until the doctor says the eye is stable.
Find specialists for Hyphema
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Hyphema.
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