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Hyphema

Hyphema
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How can you care for hyphema?

  • Follow instructions to keep your eye from bleeding more, which could cause permanent vision loss.
  • Wear an eye shield if directed. Follow any instructions about the position of your head while you are sleeping or resting.
  • Consider avoiding air travel until your eye has healed. Changes in air pressure may cause pain and affect your eye.
  • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
  • Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
    • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, take only acetaminophen, such as Tylenol.
    • Do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). They can increase bleeding.
    • Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
  • If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
  • Wash your hands before touching your eye.
  • Do not rub your injured eye. Rubbing can make it worse.
  • Use the prescribed eyedrops as directed. Be sure the dropper or bottle tip is clean.
  • To put in eyedrops:
    • Tilt your head back, and pull your lower eyelid down with one finger.
    • Drop or squirt the medicine inside the lower lid.
    • Close your eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the drops move around.
    • Do not touch the dropper tip to your eyelashes or any other surface.
  • Do not use a contact lens in your hurt eye until your doctor says you can. Also, do not wear eye makeup until your eye heals.
  • Do not drive if your doctor says not to.
  • For the first 24 to 48 hours, limit reading and other tasks that require a lot of eye movement.

Hyphema: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You suddenly cannot see, or your vision is a lot worse.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have severe pain or the pain you have gets worse.
  • You have more blood in your eye than before.
  • You have any new symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or a change in vision.
  • You have blurry vision that does not clear when you blink.
  • You feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You do not get better as expected.

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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.