The condition characterized by blood in the anterior chamber of the eye is:

• A. Cataract
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Hyphema
• D. Retinal tear

Answer: (C)

Blood in the front of the eye is called a hyphema. The anterior chamber lies between the cornea and the iris, and when vessels in the iris or ciliary body bleed, blood can pool in that space. Hyphema commonly follows blunt eye trauma but can occur with other eye injuries or anticoagulant use. The main clue is visible blood in the front part of the eye, and vision may be partially blocked depending on how much blood is present. This condition needs prompt eye evaluation to ensure bleeding is controlled and to monitor intraocular pressure, since high pressure can damage the optic nerve. Management focuses on protecting the eye and reducing activities that raise pressure or cause rebleeding; a rigid eye shield, keeping the patient calm, and transport to the emergency department are typical steps. Avoid applying pressure to the eye and follow up with ophthalmology for definitive care. Cataract involves clouding of the lens and doesn’t present with blood in the anterior chamber. Glaucoma is high intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve and may cause eye pain and vision changes but not be defined by bleeding into the front of the eye. A retinal tear causes flashes, floaters, and possible a curtain-like loss of vision, without blood pooling in the anterior chamber.