Hyphema

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Hyphema (heye-FEE-mah) is the presence of blood in the space between the cornea and the iris of your eye. The cornea is the thin, colorless covering in the front of the eye. It protects the iris (colored part of the eye) and pupil (opening of the eye where light passes through). A blunt or piercing injury to the area of the eye may cause hyphema. Other health conditions or diseases, such as blood clotting problems or cancer, may also cause hyphema. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners or medicines for pain and swelling, may cause bleeding in your eye.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms may include eye pain and blurring or loss of vision (seeing). Blood may be seen in the white of the eye and may pool (collect) at the bottom of the cornea. Hyphema may be diagnosed through a detailed health history and a complete eye exam. Tests, such as blood tests and a slit-lamp test, may also be done. Treatment aims to prevent another bleeding episode, control the pressure inside the eye, and fix the problem causing the hyphema. Usually, the condition goes away on its own as the blood is reabsorbed back into the body. Medicines or surgery may sometimes be needed. With treatment, such as medicine and surgery, further problems caused by hyphema may be prevented, and your vision may be saved.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Eye medicines: When using eye drops or ointment, do not let the tip of the bottle or tube touch your eye. This could scratch your eye or cause an infection. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after putting medicine in your eye.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Rest:

Get plenty of rest. Lie with the head of your bed raised or rest in a recliner. This may help the blood in your eye drain faster. Avoid doing heavy activities, such as lifting, to prevent more bleeding.

Wearing an eye shield:

You may need to wear an eye shield to protect your eye from further injury while it heals. This may have to be worn at all times, even while you are sleeping. You may have to check under the shield once in a while to make sure your eye is clean and dry. Ask your caregiver for more information about wearing an eye shield.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You become nauseated, start to vomit, or feel dizzy or lightheaded.
  
  
• You have discharge from your eye.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• There is more blood in your eye than before.
  
  
• You have more problems seeing.
  
  
• Your eye pain gets worse.
  
  
• You suddenly have a loss of vision.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Hyphema (Aftercare Instructions)