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Hyphema, Sports Medicine

Jennifer J. Mitchell, MD, FAAFP, CAQSM and Kelly T. Mitchell, MD Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Blood in the anterior chamber of the eye

  • Traumatic hyphema grading:

    • Microhyphema:

      • Circulating red blood cells (RBCs) usually seen by slit lamp exam only

    • Grade I:

      • <1/3 anterior chamber ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Mechanism of injury to determine whether associated injuries such as open globe or orbital fracture may be present 2[B].

  • Presence of sickle cell disease or blood dyscrasias, which chan...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Prehospital:

    • Place rigid eye shield to protect the eye.

    • Minimize mobility of the patient.

    • Head of transport bed elevated 30 to 45 degrees so blood will tend to settle inferiorly...

ONGOING CARE

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • Patient must understand need for strict compliance with all activity restrictions and medication dosing and follow-up appointments.

  • Review symptoms of rebleeding or elevat...

REFERENCES

1
Bansal S, Gunasekeran DV, Ang B, et al. Controversies in the pathophysiology and management of hyphema. Surv Ophthalmol.  2016;61(3):297–308.
2
Trief D, Adebona OT, Turalba AV, et al. T...

ADDITIONAL READING

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Appropriate protective eyewear is needed for all athletic events involving a ball, projectile, or physical contact:

    • The American Society for Testing and Materials has established perfor...

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