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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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HyphemaDefinitionHyphema is blood in the front area of the eye. CausesHyphema is usually caused by trauma to the eye. Other causes of bleeding in the front chamber of the eye include:
Symptoms
Exams and Tests
TreatmentIn some mild cases, no treatment is needed. The blood is absorbed in a few days. The health care provider may recommend bed rest, eye patching, and sedation to reduce the likelihood of recurrent bleeding. Eye drops to decrease the inflammation or lower the intraocular pressure may be used if needed. The ophthalmologist may need to remove the blood, especially if the intraocular pressure is severely increased or the blood is slow to absorb again. You may need to stay in a hospital. Outlook (Prognosis)The outcome depends upon the amount of injury to the eye. Patients with sickle cell disease are more likely to have eye complications and must be monitored more carefully. Severe vision loss can occur. Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall your health care provider if you notice blood in the front of the eye or you have a traumatic eye injury. You will need prompt diagnosis and treatment by an ophthalmologist. PreventionMany eye injuries can be prevented by wearing safety goggles or other protective eye wear. Always wear eye protection while playing sports such as racquetball, or contact sports such as basketball. ReferencesBrunette DD. Ophthalmology. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006: chap 70. Review Date: 10/6/2008
Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virigina Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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