Blood in the Eye

Also known as: hyphema.

What is blood in the eye?

When blood pools inside the front of the eye (the anterior chamber of the eye between the cornea and the iris), it is known as hyphema, or blood in the eye. Hyphema is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical care.

What causes blood in the eye?

Injuries directly to the eye are the usual cause of blood in the eye. Rarely in children it may result from other conditions like post-surgical procedures, eye infections, abnormal blood vessels, blood clotting problems or cancer.

What are the symptoms of blood in the eye?

Along with the alarming visible appearance of blood in the eye, hyphema can cause symptoms resembling other eye conditions (blurry vision, light sensitivity and eye pain and others).

What are blood in the eye care options?

While many cases of blood in the eye resolve on their own over time, physician monitoring is critical (bleeding may recur). Treatments may include; no strenuous activity or bed rest, a special shield over the eye, raising the head, eye drops, and daily checking the pressure in the eye. No medications containing aspirin or any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug should be taken.


Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: March 29, 2021 03:38 PM

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