2011

Hyphema

Eye Care Centre

Hyphema
The anterior chamber is the space at the front of the eye between the cornea and the iris. Blood in the anterior chamber of the eye is called hyphema. iris hyphema Blunt injury is the most common cause of hyphema. Vision will decrease if the anterior chamber fills with blood. The blood will be anterior chamber absorbed in about 5-7 days. Bleeding may cause the cornea pressure within the eye hyphema to increase. This could cause a serious problem or even a permanent iris loss of vision. The greatest risk is that the eye can bleed again. This is a risk for 14 days. It is very important for you to follow the directions of your nurse or doctor.

Caring for your eye

You will be asked to stay in bed for 5 days. You may be up to the bathroom and for meals. The head of your bed is to be elevated at 30

degrees at all times. This allows the blood to settle by gravity. You will also need prescriptions for eye drops to take at home. - Atropine (a red top) will enlarge your pupil and blur your vision. - Predforte is an anti-inflammatory. Do not do any heavy lifting or exercise for 14 days. Do not take ASA (Aspirin) or ibuprofin. If needed, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort. Wear an eye shield at all times to protect your eye from injury. Sudden sharp pain in your eye may be a warning that there has been some new bleeding. It is important that you contact your eye doctor. If you are unable to reach him/her, call locating at the VG (473-2222) and ask to have the ophthalmology resident on call paged or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Protect your eye from injury in the future by wearing:

Safety goggles during sports Face shield on a hockey helmet Safety glasses

Feel free to ask questions. We are here to help you.

Looking for more health information? Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazine articles and online health information. For a list of public libraries in Nova Scotia go to HTTP://publiclibraries.ns.ca Capital Health promotes a smoke-free and scent-free environment. Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you! Capital Health, Nova Scotia www.cdha.nshealth.ca Prepared by: Eye Care Centre Staff, QEII, Halifax Illustrations by: Page 1-Super Anatomy 4, Page 2-LifeART Health Care 1 Images, Copyright 1994, TechPool Studios Corp. USA Designed and Printed by: Capital Health Audio Visual and Printing Departments The information in this brochure is provided for information and education purposes only. The information is not intended to be and does not constitute healthcare or medical advice. If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider. WW85-0142 Rev. May 2011 The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years.