Condition

Hyphema (blood in the front of the eye)

Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin, Consultant Ophthalmic SurgeonArticle reviewed

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Hyphema at a glance

Side-view diagram of the eye with the front chamber highlighted: the part of the eye involved in a hyphema.
Where it affects the eye: Front chamber. Simplified side view of the eye. It shows location, not how severe a condition is.
Part of the eye
Front chamber
Common signs
  • Visible blood in the front of the eye
  • Pain, light sensitivity and blurred vision
  • History of a blow to the eye or ball sports injury
  • Sometimes nausea if eye pressure rises
Medical code (ICD-10)
H21.0

What is a hyphema?

The space between the cornea and iris can fill with blood after eye trauma, forming a hyphema. It ranges from a thin red layer to a larger collection that obscures vision.

Symptoms of a hyphema

Symptoms follow eye injury.

  • Visible blood in the front of the eye
  • Pain, light sensitivity and blurred vision
  • History of a blow to the eye or ball sports injury
  • Sometimes nausea if eye pressure rises

Why urgent care matters

Hyphema can cause dangerously high eye pressure, rebleeding, and long-term staining of the cornea. Children and people with sickle cell disease are at higher risk of complications and need specialist monitoring.

How is a hyphema treated?

Treatment includes rest with head elevation, an eye shield, avoiding aspirin or blood thinners unless advised, and close follow-up to monitor pressure and clearing of blood. Severe cases may need hospital admission or surgery.

Frequently asked questions

Is blood in the eye after an injury serious?

Yes. Hyphema after trauma needs urgent eye assessment to monitor pressure, prevent rebleeding, and protect vision.

How is hyphema treated?

Treatment usually includes rest, head elevation, an eye shield, pressure checks, and avoiding activities that could cause rebleeding. Severe cases need hospital care.

Can hyphema cause permanent vision loss?

It can if eye pressure stays high or blood stains the cornea. Early assessment and follow-up reduce the risk.

Your next step

Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

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Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

Sources for this information

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