Hyphema

An overview of hyphema, its causes, symptoms, and treatment

Hyphema

A total hyphema, where the anterior chamber is completely filled with blood.

Hyphema is a medical condition characterized by the presence of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, the space between the cornea and the iris. It is often the result of trauma to the eye but can also occur spontaneously in certain medical conditions.

Causes

Hyphema is most commonly caused by blunt or penetrating trauma to the eye. Other causes include:

• Post-surgical complications
• Blood clotting disorders
• Neovascularization
• Ocular tumors
• Herpes zoster or herpes simplex infections

Symptoms

The primary symptom of hyphema is the visible presence of blood in the anterior chamber. Other symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Increased intraocular pressure

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hyphema is typically made through a clinical examination by an ophthalmologist. This may include:

• Slit lamp examination
• Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure
• Gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle of the eye

Treatment

Treatment of hyphema depends on the severity and underlying cause. Common approaches include:

• Bed rest with head elevation
• Use of an eye shield
• Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Cycloplegic agents to relieve pain
• Antifibrinolytic agents to prevent re-bleeding

In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the blood and prevent complications such as glaucoma.

Complications

Potential complications of hyphema include:

• Re-bleeding
• Corneal blood staining
• Glaucoma
• Permanent vision loss

Prevention

Preventive measures for hyphema primarily involve protecting the eyes from trauma. This includes wearing protective eyewear during activities that pose a risk of eye injury.

Related pages

• Eye injury
• Glaucoma
• Ophthalmology