Hyphema Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hyphema is a disorder of the eye, where there is blood in the front chamber of the eye (between the cornea and iris). Bleeding in the front of the eye can generally be seen immediately with the normal eye.
Although the bleeding that occurs is usually small, the collection of blood in the anterior chamber can still reduce visual acuity. The blood that comes out then mixes with clear tears.
Hyphema itself is caused by tearing of the blood vessels in the front of the eye as a result of the impact. Examples of things that can cause hyphema include empty-handed hitting, wood, balls, elbows, falls, and so on.
Symptoms
Hyphema is characterized by bleeding that can appear immediately after impact. However, there are also hyphema that only appear after 3–5 days after the trauma.
In addition to decreased visual acuity, other symptoms that are felt are pain and watery eyes. If there is a lot of bleeding, eye pressure can increase. If not treated quickly, this condition can lead to glaucoma.
Diagnosis
Hyphema can be known through medical interviews and physical examinations. The doctor will do a visual acuity check. Eye pressure should also be checked to find out whether there is glaucoma or not.
The doctor will also use a slit lamp to examine the structure of the eyeball. This tool can find bleeding, even small ones.
People who experience a hard impact on the head are also advised to do a CT scan to find out if there is bleeding or other trauma to the brain.
Treatment
For initial treatment, hyphema sufferers can lie down with their heads elevated 45 degrees. The patient’s eyes should also be closed to rest for a while and not do an excessive activity because 15-20% of patients can experience further bleeding.
If the pain is unbearable, the patient can take paracetamol. Aspirin is not recommended, because it is feared it can aggravate bleeding. During treatment at the hospital, patients can also be given sedatives, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and drugs to reduce eye pressure.
In some cases of hyphema, the doctor may need to drain blood from the anterior chamber of the eye. This is done if there is a lot of bleeding, increased eye pressure ( glaucoma ), or after 5 days there is no improvement even though it has been treated
Immediately visit an eye doctor if this condition occurs. Do not attempt to self-medicate, for fear it could make the disease worse.
If it is late or not treated, hyphema can cause complications in the form of adhesions to structures in the eyeball, glaucoma (increased eye pressure), and the cornea becoming red or black.
Prevention
Hyphema can occur due to trauma or impact on the eye. Therefore, use safety glasses when working in the open or when playing sports.