What is hyphaema, and why is it clinically significant in equine ophthalmology?

• A. Blood in the posterior chamber
• B. Blood in the anterior chamber indicating severe inflammation or trauma; it increases risk of secondary glaucoma and complicates management.
• C. Clouding of the cornea
• D. Increased tear production

Answer: (B)

Hyphaema is blood in the anterior chamber of the eye. In horses, its presence usually signals significant inflammation or trauma affecting the eye, and it matters clinically because the blood can block the drainage of aqueous humor. That obstruction raises the risk of secondary glaucoma, complicates the examination and treatment of the eye, and can worsen vision if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.

So, the best choice describes both the location of the bleeding (the anterior chamber) and the serious implications for inflammation/trauma, intraocular pressure, and management. The other options describe different problems (blood in a different chamber, corneal clouding, or tearing) that do not define hyphaema.