Hyphema is the presence of blood in the anterior chamber, the front part of the eye between the cornea and iris. It most often follows blunt trauma but can also occur spontaneously in some conditions.
Causes and symptoms
Injury to the iris or ciliary body can cause blood vessels to bleed into the anterior chamber. Patients usually notice blurred vision, a visible fluid level of blood, and sometimes pain or light sensitivity.
- Often associated with sports or accidental injuries
- Can raise intraocular pressure
- Rebleeding is a recognised early complication
Treatment
Management includes rest, head elevation, protective shielding, and careful monitoring of eye pressure. Follow-up in general ophthalmology or trauma clinics is essential to detect complications such as glaucoma or corneal blood staining.
