What Is Hyphema?
Hyphema is bleeding into the anterior chamber of the eye, the fluid-filled space between the clear cornea and the iris. It can look like a red haze over the eye, a red layer settled at the bottom of the eye, or an eye that appears completely filled with blood. Hyphema is a sign of an underlying problem, so finding the cause matters as much as treating the eye.
See a vet promptly
Blood in the eye can raise eye pressure and damage vision, and it can be the first visible sign of a body-wide illness.
Common Causes
- Trauma, such as a car accident, fight or blunt blow to the head
- Inflammation inside the eye; see uveitis
- High blood pressure, especially in older cats with kidney disease or hyperthyroidism
- Clotting disorders, including immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, von Willebrand disease and rat poison exposure
- Tick-borne infections, retinal detachment and tumors in or behind the eye
Signs
- Red or dark red color inside the front of the eye
- Squinting, tearing or rubbing at the eye
- Reduced vision or bumping into things
- Other bleeding signs, such as bruising, nosebleeds or blood in urine or stool
Diagnosis and Treatment
- A full eye exam, including eye pressure measurement, and often blood pressure checks, blood tests, clotting tests and an eye ultrasound
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops and drops that relax the pupil
- Medication to control eye pressure if glaucoma develops
- Treating the cause, such as blood pressure medication or treatment for a clotting disorder
- Rest and limited activity while the blood is reabsorbed
Small bleeds often clear within days to a couple of weeks; large or repeated bleeds carry a higher risk of lasting vision problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hyphema the same as a red eye?
No. A red eye usually means the white of the eye or eyelid tissue is inflamed. Hyphema is blood inside the eye itself, in front of the iris.
Can hyphema cause blindness?
It can if the underlying cause is serious or if eye pressure rises and is not controlled. Prompt treatment improves the outlook.
Should I use human eye drops?
No. Some eye drops can make bleeding or inflammation worse. Use only what your vet prescribes.
If you see blood inside your pet’s eye, treat it as urgent. Find a veterinary clinic near you for an exam.