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Black Eye

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

A black eye--known medically as a periorbital hematoma (HE-muh-TOW-muh)--is the result of bleeding underneath the skin around the eye following a hard blow to the eye or the area near the eye. The blood under the skin, also known as a contusion, looks black or blue at the surface. The eyelid, eyeball, bones around the eye, or eye muscle may be involved. It may take 2 to 3 weeks for the bruising around the eye to go away.

Signs/Symptoms

The bruise may be accompanied by red, painful swelling of the eye or area near the eye. You may have bleeding or bruising in the eye, and may notice vision changes.

Care

Generally, no specific medical treatment is needed. Simply follow the guidelines listed below.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

  • Apply ice to the injury for 10 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin.
  • After the first 1 to 2 days, you may apply heat to the injury to help relieve pain. Use a warm heating pad or warm, moist towels for 10 to 20 minutes every hour for 48 hours.
  • Sleeping with your head raised on 2 pillows may help ease the discomfort.
  • You may use non-prescription medicines such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen to ease the swelling and discomfort.
  • Wear dark glasses temporarily to protect your eyes from bright light and sunlight.
  • You may continue your normal daily activities.

Seek Care Immediately If...

  • You develop nausea and vomiting.
  • You develop dizziness, faintness, confusion, or stumbling.
  • You have any changes in your vision (such as double vision or loss of vision).


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