Anterior Segment
Hyphaema
Also known as: hyphaema, hyphema, traumatic hyphema, traumatic hyphaema, blood in anterior chamber, layered blood in anterior chamber, microhyphema, microhyphaema
Clinical decision support only
OptoGuide™ supports professional judgement and does not diagnose or replace clinician responsibility.
Overview
Blood in the anterior chamber, usually after blunt ocular trauma. Hyphaema is high-risk because it can signal open-globe injury, angle/lens/iris damage, raised IOP, rebleed risk, and systemic bleeding risk. The optometry role is recognition, safe documentation, eye protection, and urgent ophthalmology / ED pathway rather than independent topical steroid or cycloplegic management.
What OptoGuide™ covers for hyphaema
- Recognition patterns — symptoms, signs, and differentiators
- Don't-miss risks and escalation triggers
- Management tiers with linked Australian therapeutics
- Referral urgency, specialty, and letter drafting
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