Hyphema

Excerpt

Hyphema is defined as accumulated red blood cells (RBC) in the anterior chamber of the eye. Blood must be grossly visible, either on direct inspection or slit-lamp examination. Blood accumulates from disruption of the vessels of the iris or ciliary body, usually due to trauma or underlying medical conditions. The anterior chamber is the area bounded by the cornea anteriorly, the angle laterally, and the lens and iris posteriorly. This space normally contains clear, aqueous humor, which is produced by the ciliary body and drained through the Canal of Schlemm. The angle, an important anatomic location, is where the trabecular network and the Canal of Schlemm are located. Blockage of this location inhibits aqueous drainage leading to an increase in intraocular pressure.