Hyphema
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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| Hyphema | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Eye pain, blurred vision, photophobia, red eye |
| Complications | Glaucoma, corneal blood staining, vision loss |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Varies, typically resolves in days to weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Trauma, surgery, blood disorders |
| Risks | Sickle cell disease, anticoagulant therapy |
| Diagnosis | Slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure measurement |
| Differential diagnosis | Conjunctival hemorrhage, iritis, vitreous hemorrhage |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Rest, eye shield, elevated head position, medications to lower intraocular pressure |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment, but depends on severity |
| Frequency | Common in cases of eye trauma |
| Deaths | N/A |
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
Potential complications of hyphema include:
Prevention[edit]
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.
