Hyphema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Hyphema?
An ophthalmologist, an eye doctor who can also do eye surgery, treats hyphema. This is blood in the front of the eye, and it often follows an eye injury. An emergency room doctor may see you first. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is hyphema?
Hyphema is blood in the front area of the eye. Doctors call this area the anterior chamber. The blood collects behind the cornea, the clear front window of the eye, and in front of the iris, the colored part of the eye.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Blood in the front of the eye.
- Eye pain.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Blurry vision or other vision changes.
You may not be able to see a small hyphema when you look in a mirror. With a total hyphema, the blood blocks the view of the iris and pupil. After an injury, or when eye pressure goes up, pain, headache, and light sensitivity can happen.
Causes and who gets it
Hyphema is most often caused by trauma to the eye. Blunt trauma is the most common cause. Other causes of bleeding in the front chamber of the eye include:
- An abnormal blood vessel.
- Cancer of the eye.
- Severe inflammation of the iris.
- Advanced diabetes.
- Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia.
A hyphema can also happen after eye surgery. It has also been linked to leukemia, hemophilia, and aspirin or warfarin, which change how the blood clots.
People with sickle cell disease are more likely to have eye problems from a hyphema. They must be watched closely.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor finds a hyphema with a slit-lamp exam of the front of the eye. A large hyphema can be seen with a pen light alone. You may need these exams and tests:
- An eye exam.
- Eye pressure measurement, called tonometry.
- Ultrasound testing.
Doctors may also use gonioscopy to check the angle structures inside the eye. They may ask about past eye injury or surgery, bleeding problems, blood thinners, and sickle cell disease.
Treatment
Treatment may not be needed in mild cases. The blood is absorbed in a few days.
Outcomes are likely to be much worse if bleeding comes back or gets worse, especially within 3 to 5 days. To cut down the chance of more bleeding, a provider may recommend bed rest, eye patching, or sedating medicines. Uncomplicated hyphemas should be managed conservatively, with an eye shield, limited activity, and head elevation. Pain control should not include aspirin-containing products or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), because these can raise the risk of more bleeding.
You may need eye drops to decrease inflammation or lower the pressure in your eye. An eye doctor may need to remove the blood with surgery. This is more likely if eye pressure is very high or the blood is slow to clear. You may need to stay in a hospital.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you notice blood in the front of the eye or if you have an eye injury. You need to be examined and treated by an eye doctor right away, especially if you have decreased vision.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if the eye injury came with a head injury, fainting, or loss of consciousness.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can help you decide where to go for urgent eye care after an injury. They can review your medicines and conditions such as diabetes, and coordinate follow-up with the eye doctor.
Common questions
Is hyphema an emergency?
Yes, blood in the front of the eye needs to be seen by an eye doctor right away, especially if your vision has decreased. Contact your provider if you notice blood in the front of the eye or have an eye injury.
Does hyphema go away on its own?
In mild cases, yes. Treatment may not be needed, and the blood is absorbed in a few days. Bleeding that comes back, especially within 3 to 5 days, can make the outcome much worse.
Can hyphema cause vision loss?
Yes, severe vision loss can occur. Complications may include acute glaucoma (sudden high pressure in the eye), impaired vision, and bleeding that comes back.
Can hyphema be prevented?
Some cases can be, because many eye injuries can be prevented by wearing safety goggles or other protective eyewear. Wear eye protection while playing sports such as racquetball, or contact sports such as basketball.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
