Bleeding inside the front of the eye after a crash

An ophthalmologist explains a traumatic hyphema

For survivors and families3 min read

Eye and vision injuriesHyphemaEye pressureRest and activityWarning signs

A hard hit from an airbag or another object can cause a hyphema. That’s blood pooling in the space at the front of the eye. It sits just behind the cornea, the clear dome on the eye’s surface. Sometimes you can see the blood easily. Other times only a specialist can spot it during an exam. [1, 2]

Your vision may blur. Pressure inside the eye can climb. The bleeding can also start again after the first injury. Even if your eye looks better, go to your follow up exam. [1, 2]

Ask about your eye pressure and exam results

Find out how much blood the doctor saw and what your eye pressure was. Ask if any other part of the eye was hurt. Learn when your pressure and vision will be checked again. Tell the eye doctor about blood thinners, aspirin, bleeding disorders and sickle cell disease or trait. Don’t stop a prescribed blood thinner by yourself. Any change should be agreed on by the eye team and the doctor who prescribed it. [1, 2]

Shield the eye while the blood clears

Wear the protective shield and use your prescribed drops the way you were told. Ask if you should keep your head raised while resting. Find out what limits apply to lifting, bending, exercise, work and driving. Don’t rub the eye or press on it. Check with the team about which pain medicine is right for you. These steps lower the odds of a second bleed and help the team catch a pressure problem. [1, 2]

New blurring or pain needs fast care

Get urgent eye care if your vision suddenly gets worse, the pain grows or you see new blood. A new bleed or high eye pressure needs quick treatment. Show up for every planned visit, even the later ones once you can’t see blood anymore. [1, 2]

Questions for the eye team

  1. What was my eye pressure? When will you check it again?
  2. What should I avoid doing until the blood clears?
  3. Did you rule out other injuries to the eye?

Save the clinic's number before you go

Before you leave, put your eye clinic appointment and the emergency contact number in your phone. [1, 2]

Sources and further reading

  1. 1University Hospitals Dorset hyphaema patient information
  2. 2American Academy of Ophthalmology blunt ocular trauma

This piece is for general learning and comes from an eye doctor’s perspective. A hyphema can put your sight at risk even when the blood seems to fade. Follow your eye team’s exact instructions on activity and medicine.

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