A hyphema is bleeding in the anterior chamber of the eye, the space between the cornea which is the front covering of the eye and the iris. This is seen as a layer of blood in front of the iris or colored portion of the eye. Orbital blowout fractures are cracks or breaks in the facial bones surrounding and protecting the eye.
Hyphemas and blowout fractures are serious eye injuries and medical emergencies. They are caused by significant blunt force trauma to the eye and face, such as getting hit by a bat, baseball, hockey stick, elbow or getting kicked in the face. The eye must be examined in detail as an additional injury is often present and a decision must be made as to what treatment is needed. This treatment is individualized and needs to be decided upon by the examining eye specialist.