Hyphema

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Eye

In some mild cases, no treatment is required, and the blood is absorbed within a few days. Bed rest, eye patching, and sedation -- to minimize activity and reduce the likelihood of recurrent bleeding -- are often prescribed. Eye drops to decrease the inflammation or lower the intraocular pressure may be used if needed.

Removal of the blood by an ophthalmologist may be necessary, especially if the intraocular pressure is severely increased or the blood is slow to resorb. Hospitalization may be required.

The outcome depends upon the extent of injury to the eye. Patients with sickle cell disease have a greater likelihood of ocular complications and must be monitored more carefully. Severe vision loss can occur. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by an ophthalmologist is necessary.

• Recurring bleeding
• Impaired vision through blood staining of the cornea
• Glaucoma

Call your health care provider if blood is noticed in the front of the eye or if traumatic eye injury occurs.

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.