Hyphema. Part II. Diagnosis and treatment

The clinical appearance of hyphema is variable and is influenced by the vol ume of blood and the amount of time erythrocytes are present in the anterio r chamber. When hyphema is evident, a complete history should be obtained a nd a thorough physical examination performed to direct the initial selectio n of diagnostic tests. Secondary complications of hyphema include glaucoma, synechiae, cataract formation, blood-staining of the cornea, and blindness . Frequent measurement of intraocular pressure is recommended. The two prim ary management issues in animals with hyphema are prevention of secondary h emorrhage (by treating the underlying disease) and control of secondary gla ucoma.