Hemorrhage in the front of the eye, often looking like a bloodshot eye. Hyphema can be caused by violent shaking or a blow to the head and is one sign of possible child abuse.
Bleeding into the anterior chamber of the eye, usually the result of injury.
Blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, caused by trauma or increased intraocular pressure; treatment includes corticosteroid eyedrops or oral drugs.
Bleeding within the front portion (anterior chamber) of the eye. A hyphema can be caused by a blunt or penetrating injury to the eye or certain medical conditions, including severe inflammation of the iris (the colored portion of the eye), an abnormal blood vessel, or cancer of the eye. A hyphema carries a risk of acute glaucoma, which causes pressure in¬ side the eyeball to rise suddenly and damages the optic nerve. Hyphemas need prompt evaluation by an eye specialist to determine the causes of the bleeding and assess its severity. Emergency treatment is indicated if severe pain or nausea and vomiting are present.
Layer or clot of red blood cells in the anterior chamber of the eye, in front of the iris; usually grossly visible. A total hyphema may be red or black. It is often caused by a contusion from a fast-moving object but may sometimes occur spontaneously, e.g., in patients with diabetes mellitus or intraocular tumors.