Hyphema
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Hyphema is the presence of blood in the space between the cornea and the iris of your eye. The cornea is the clear layer that covers the front of your eye. It protects the iris (colored part of the eye) and pupil.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Medicines:
- Cycloplegics: This medicine relaxes your eye muscles and decreases your pain so your eye can heal.
- Steroids: These eyedrops help decrease inflammation.
- Eye pressure medicines: These help decrease eye pressure.
- Acetaminophen: This medicine decreases pain. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Nausea medicine may help calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
- Bowel movement softeners: This medicine makes it easier for you to have a bowel movement. It will help prevent straining, which can increase eye pressure.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your ophthalmologist in 1 day:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Self-care:
- Rest: Rest when you feel it is needed. Raise the head of your bed, or rest in a recliner. This will help decrease the pressure in your eye.
- Limit activity: Do not lift, bend, or strain. This will help prevent more bleeding.
- Wear an eye shield: This will help protect your eye from further injury while it heals. You may need to wear it all the time, even while you sleep. Check under the shield often to make sure your eye is clean and dry.
Contact your ophthalmologist if:
- You feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- Your eye is draining pus.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You cannot stop vomiting.
- You have more blood in your eye after treatment.
- You have severe eye pain.
- Your vision gets worse.
- You suddenly have a loss of vision.
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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.
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