Differential diagnosis of spontaneous hyphema associated with central retinal vein occlusion

Spontaneous hyphema refers to a nontraumatic hemorrhage in the anterior chamber. It is uncommon and may result from such conditions as rubeosis iridis, intraocular neoplasms, blood dyscrasias, severe iritis, fibrovascular membranes in the retrolental or zonular area, and vascular anomalies of the iris. A case is presented describing a spontaneous hyphema occurring as a result of iris neovascularization in a patient who suffered from occlusion of the central retinal vein. Spontaneous hyphema and the presenting ocular conditions as they pertain to its occurrence are discussed.