Hyphema (hi-FEE-ma) is a condition that happens when blood collects in the front part of the eye. More to Know An eye injury and certain medical conditions can cause blood to collect in the anterior chamber (the space in the eye behind the cornea and in front of the iris and lens). This is called a hyphema. Blood may cover part or all of the iris and the pupil, partly or totally blocking vision in that eye. Hyphema may cause eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, vision loss, eye discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. Sometimes the blood can increase pressure in the eye. The goal of treating hyphema is to clear the blood, treat any increase in eye pressure, and prevent re-bleeding. Keep in Mind Hyphema is a serious condition that usually improves over a few days to weeks. Most people respond well to treatment. Your eye doctor will recommend follow-up testing or treatment. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles First Aid: Eye Injuries Some eye injuries can be treated at home, while others require a visit to the doctor or emergency room. Find out what to do if your child has eye pain. Read More Eye Injuries You can treat many minor eye irritations by flushing the eye, but more serious injuries require medical attention. Read More Taking Care of Your Vision Even if you're lucky enough to have perfect vision, taking care of and protecting your eyes is vital to keeping your peepers perfect. Learn all about how to take care of your baby blues (or browns or greens) in this article. Read More Corneal Abrasions Corneal abrasions, which are common among kids, happen when something gets into the eye. Though sometimes painful, they're rarely serious and usually heal within a few days. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.