This is a collection of blood between the cornea and the iris. It forms a fluid level behind the cornea. It is most often caused by trauma but can be spontaneous.
Please see diagnostic photographs
All hyphaema should be referred same day to the BEH Emergency Department, if out of hours, please discuss with the on-call ophthalmologist.
Prior to review by the ophthalmologist, patients should be advised strict, upright rest - this encourages the blood to settle at the bottom of the anterior chamber.
Hyphaema is a red flag which should prompt all patients to be referred.
There is no other immediate treatment which can be given in primary care.
Refer to BEH Emergency Department
These guidelines have been written by Rhys Harrison, consultant ophthalmologist at Bristol Eye Hospital, with thanks to the patients who have kindly given consent to use their photos.
For full ophthalmology guidelines see: Primary Care Ophthalmology Guidance Document
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