Hyphema Classification and external resources
Hyphema - occupying half of anterior chamber of eye
ICD-10	H21.0
ICD-9	364.41
DiseasesDB	31299
MedlinePlus	001021
eMedicine	oph/765
MeSH	C11.290.484

The eye is divided into a small front (anterior) chamber, in front of the lens, and a large rear (posterior) chamber, behind the lens. The anterior chamber is the light gray area at the top of this illustration.

Hyphema is blood in the front (anterior) chamber of the eye. It may appear as a reddish tinge, or it may appear as a small pool of blood at the bottom of the iris or in the cornea.

Causes

Hyphemas are frequently caused by injury (blunt trauma) and may partially or completely block vision.

Presentation and prognosis

Hyphemas may resolve by themselves, they may require medical treatment, or they may result in permanent visual impairment.

A long-standing hyphema may result in hemosiderosis and heterochromia.[1] Blood accumulation may also cause an elevation of the intraocular pressure.

Treatment

First Aid for Hyphema (blood in the anterior chamber of the eye) includes bed rest with head elevated by 45-60 degrees with both eyes closed (not patched or bandaged), application of ice-pack, avoidance of straining during bowel movements and while bending over, and during any sexual activity. Medication to reduce eye-pressure and corticosteriods, both as eye-drops, should be started. No aspirin or NSAIDs. If pain is severe use Paracetamol.

See also

• Hypopyon

External links

• Hyphema - Handbook of Ocular Disease Management

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