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Hyphema

Erich J Berg, D.O. Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A grossly visible collection of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye

  • Microhyphema refers to red blood cells in the anterior chamber which do not layer out and are not grossly visi...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Eye pain and vision loss are the most common presenting complaints.

  • Photophobia and tearing may be present.

  • Nausea and vomiting are common.

  • Pediatric considerations: Investigate for pote...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

ALERT

If globe rupture is suspected, place an eye shield and consult ophthalmology immediately; no further examination or testing should be done.

 
  • Place the patient in a dark r...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

In cases of traumatic hyphema, record intraocular pressure daily. 

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • Report sudden decrease in vision or increase in pain (suspicion for rebleeding ...

REFERENCES

1
Walton  W, Von Hagen  S, Grigorian  R, et al. Management of traumatic hyphema. Surv Ophthalmol.  2002; 47(4): 297– 334.  [View Abstract] ...

CODES

ICD10

  • S05.10XA Contusion of eyeball and orbital tissues, unsp eye, init

  • H21.00 Hyphema, unspecified eye

SNOMED

  • 231954005 Traumatic hyphema

  • 75229002 Hyphema (disorder)

  • 303019009 Spontaneous hyphema (di...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Hyphema is a collection of red blood cells in the anterior chamber that often results from trauma.

  • Once globe rupture has been excluded, a thorough examination for associated injuries a...

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