What is Hyphema?
Hyphema is a condition in which blood accumulates in the front chamber of the eye, between the cornea (white of the eye) and iris (colored region of the eye). Since blood covers the iris and the pupil (Centre of the iris), your vision may be blocked partially or completely. It may also be associated with sensitivity to light and pain. Hyphema may be caused due to blunt trauma to the eye, work accidents, falls or fights, an increase in eye pressure, abnormal blood vessels, or medical conditions such as hemophilia (inability to form clots), sickle cell anemia (abnormal red blood cells) or eye cancer.
Your doctor diagnoses hyphema by collecting your medical history and details regarding the injury. He/she will also perform a complete eye examination through a visual acuity test (test to check your vision), intraocular pressure check and microscopic examination to check the structures of your eyes. Mild forms of hyphemas may heal on their own but others may require intervention.
Treatments for Hyphema
Treatment options include:
- Eye drops
- Bed rest
- Limited movement of the eye
- Placing a patch over the affected area
- Controlling eye pressure
The use of protective eyewear during sports activities can prevent hyphema from occurring.
Related Topics
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Eyelid Disorders
- Dry Eyes
- Blepharitis
- Chalazion
- Tear Duct Obstruction
- Refractive Errors
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
- Pterygium
- Hyphema
- Herpetic Eye Disease
- Acute/ Chronic/Recurrent Iridocyclitis
- Chemical Burn
- Conjunctival & Corneal tear
- Repair of Conjunctival and Corneal tear
- Corneal Opacity
- Corneal Ulcer
- Ocular/Orbital Trauma
- Treatment of Ocular/Orbital trauma
- Eyelid Cyst
- Optic Nerve Atrophy
- Optic Neuropathy
- Pars Planitis/Intermediate Uveitis
- Posterior Uveitis
- Diseases of Cornea
- Temporal Arteritis
- Traumatic Iritis
- Ocular/Orbital Tumors
- Pediatric Eye Problems