hyphema

Hyphema (high-FEE-ma) is the condition of blood in the portion of the eye in which lies the pupil (the anterior chamber). This usually results from a blow to the eye; a rim of dark blood may visible in the anterior chamber, or it may appear cloudy.

This is a serious condition, and is properly cared for by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist). Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) is the most serious possible consequence of hyphema. Any child with a cloudy appearing eye after trauma (or any other time, really) should be taken to the doctor at once, as should a child with decreased vision or pain in the eye following trauma.

This is not to be confused with subconjunctival hemorrhage, in which a bright red blood stain overlies the white schlera of the eye but does not invade the clear pupillary area.

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