Hyphema | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of a hyphema?
Symptoms of hyphema include blood that’s visible in the eye following some type of trauma to the eye or surrounding area. Because the symptoms of hyphema may resemble other eye conditions or medical problems, you should always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
What causes a hyphema?
A hyphema is usually caused by a trauma to the eye, and blood is seen in the eyeball. This is a medical emergency, and immediate medical care is necessary.
Hyphema | Diagnosis & Treatments
How is a hyphema diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made after a complete medical history and physical examination of your child's eye.
What are the treatment options for hyphema?
Most children with a hyphema are treated in an emergency room. A physician who specializes in comprehensive eye care, called an ophthalmologist, may also be involved in your child's care.
Treatment may include:
- eye drops
- a patch over the affected eye
- bed rest
- a ban on reading to limit eye movement
- elevating the head of your child's bed to about 40 degrees, which helps the body reabsorb the blood in the eye
- daily checks of the pressure inside the eye
Can there be complications with a hyphema?
In some cases, the injury may bleed again. Other possible complications include:
- glaucoma or an increase in the pressure inside of the eye: If found, glaucoma must be closely monitored; increased pressure may cause loss of vision or blindness if untreated
- loss of vision
- damage to different structures in the eye
