The patient should follow up with an ophthalmologist the following morning to monitor the healing process and to be sure no corneal ulcer forms. These drops can retard epithelial healing and mask symptoms which may allow this straight forward problem to progress into an ophthalmologic disaster. A hyphema occurs due to bleeding into the anterior chamber. It can be diagnosed or suspected by noting frank blood layered out in the anterior chamber. In more subtle cases of diffuse blood in the anterior chamber, one might notice a lack of clarity of iris details or diminished red reflex from the pupil.
Referral is imperative no matter how small the amount of blood.
It is best to have the athlete lie in a supine position with the head elevated. There should be no further vigorous activity until the patient has been evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Condition caused by blood leaking out of the vessels causing the normally white conjunctiva to be obviously red. Although this can appear ominous, this condition is benign and requires only reassurance. If there is any suspicion that there is a rupture of the sclera beneath the hemorrhage, urgent referral to an ophthalmologist is required.