Hyphema

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Eye

Hyphema is blood in the front area of the eye.

Hyphema is usually caused by trauma to the eye, which may be a blunt or perforating injury. Severe inflammation of the iris, a blood vessel abnormality, or cancer of the eye may occasionally cause bleeding into the front chamber.

A layering of blood in front of the iris may be noticed when the person remains upright for a while. Acute glaucoma can occur suddenly in this condition.

Review Date: 10/20/2006
Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.