What should be done for a patient with hyphema?

What should be done for a patient with hyphema?

• A. Urgent ophthalmology referral and elevate the head of the bed.
• B. Begin topical steroids and discharge.
• C. Oral analgesics only.
• D. Wait and observe without referral.

Answer: (B)

Hyphema management centers on reducing inflammation and preventing rebleed while ensuring the eye is monitored for rises in intraocular pressure. In a stable, small hyphema with preserved vision and no signs of high intraocular pressure, starting topical corticosteroids helps control inflammation and may modestly reduce the risk of subsequent complications, and discharging the patient with clear instructions is reasonable when outpatient follow-up is arranged. This approach addresses inflammation early and allows safe, nonurgent management in appropriate cases. Urgent ophthalmology referral and head elevation are important when the hyphema is large, vision is compromised, or there are concerning signs such as rising IOP, but for a mild, stable case, initiating topical steroids and planning outpatient follow-up aligns with a graduated treatment plan. Relying on analgesics alone misses anti-inflammatory management, and waiting without any treatment or referral can allow progression or unnoticed complications.

Hyphema management centers on reducing inflammation and preventing rebleed while ensuring the eye is monitored for rises in intraocular pressure. In a stable, small hyphema with preserved vision and no signs of high intraocular pressure, starting topical corticosteroids helps control inflammation and may modestly reduce the risk of subsequent complications, and discharging the patient with clear instructions is reasonable when outpatient follow-up is arranged. This approach addresses inflammation early and allows safe, nonurgent management in appropriate cases.

Urgent ophthalmology referral and head elevation are important when the hyphema is large, vision is compromised, or there are concerning signs such as rising IOP, but for a mild, stable case, initiating topical steroids and planning outpatient follow-up aligns with a graduated treatment plan. Relying on analgesics alone misses anti-inflammatory management, and waiting without any treatment or referral can allow progression or unnoticed complications.