---
title: "Hyphema (blood in the front of the eye) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What hyphema is, why blood in the front of the eye after trauma needs urgent care, and how it is monitored and treated. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/hyphema/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Hyphema (blood in the front of the eye)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Hyphema is blood in the front chamber of the eye, usually after a blow to the eye. It appears as a red layer or pool visible through the cornea and needs urgent assessment. Without proper care it can raise eye pressure, cause further bleeding, or permanently affect vision.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Why urgent care matters
5. Treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

The space between the cornea and iris can fill with blood after eye trauma, forming a hyphema. It ranges from a thin red layer to a larger collection that obscures vision.

## Common symptoms

Symptoms follow eye injury.

- Visible blood in the front of the eye
- Pain, light sensitivity and blurred vision
- History of a blow to the eye or ball sports injury
- Sometimes nausea if eye pressure rises

## Why urgent care matters

Hyphema can cause dangerously high eye pressure, rebleeding, and long-term staining of the cornea. Children and people with sickle cell disease are at higher risk of complications and need specialist monitoring.

## Treatment

Treatment includes rest with head elevation, an eye shield, avoiding aspirin or blood thinners unless advised, and close follow-up to monitor pressure and clearing of blood. Severe cases may need hospital admission or surgery.

## Related conditions

## Frequently asked questions

### Is blood in the eye after an injury serious?

Yes. Hyphema after trauma needs urgent eye assessment to monitor pressure, prevent rebleeding, and protect vision.

### How is hyphema treated?

Treatment usually includes rest, head elevation, an eye shield, pressure checks, and avoiding activities that could cause rebleeding. Severe cases need hospital care.

### Can hyphema cause permanent vision loss?

It can if eye pressure stays high or blood stains the cornea. Early assessment and follow-up reduce the risk.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Trauma (blunt) - College of Optometrists](https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/clinical-management-guidelines/trauma_blunt)