Can i play video games even if i have a hyphema?

Better not: Hyphema (blood in the anterior chamber of the eye typically caused by injury) resolves more quickly with fewer long term side effects if the blood settles in the eye quickly. Visual (and activity like work, reading and exercise) is best curtailed until the blood is gone. The doctor may dilate the pupil to help avoid rebleeding. Watching tv may be ok since the eye remains relatively still.

I would not.: Follow your ophthalmologist's instructions for treatment of you hyphema.

Not really. : There is a significant risk of rebleeding in hyphema which increases risk of glaucoma and a variety of other complications. For fastest recovery we ask patients to minimize ocular motion. We will also put patients on drops that prevent the pupil from moving internally to cause bleeding. Of course, follow directions of your treating doctor, but until then and probably after, avoid video games.

Seriously? No!: The biggest risks with hyphemas are pressure spikes and rebleeding. What better way to get a rebleed than use your eyes to saccadically track fictional demons in your video game. In the meantime your pupils dilate as your adrenaline runs high. Before you know it - rebleed. We used to hospitalize kids to make sure that they didn't move around. I hope your hyphema is under the care of an eye md.

Better not to. : Resting the eye is very important for the hyphema to clear. Many ophthalmologists would recommend bed rest, or at least limited activity with elevation of the head as well. Reading and playing video games is also discouraged as rapid eye movement may cause re-bleeding. Further complications may occur which would put your vision at risk. Make sure you are under the care of an ophthalmologist.