Black eye
An eye bruise known as a black eye is brought on by bleeding in the tiny blood vessels in the skin around the eye. Most injuries that create a black look aren’t severe. A black eye, however, may indicate more serious damage, such as an internal eye injury or a fracture of the fragile eyeball bones.
Black eye causes
The most frequent reason for a black eye is getting hit, which can happen accidentally or during an assault.
Additional reasons for a black eye include:
- Dental work or surgery (for example, aesthetic surgery or nose surgery)
- Sinus infection or an eye infection
- A fractured skull
- Sensitive to allergies or other medical issues
- Assault
Treating a black eye
- As soon as the injury occurs, apply a cold compress. Apply a cold pack with light pressure to the region around your eye
- Apply cold to minimize swelling as soon as you can after the injury. Repeat a few times each day for one or two days
- As soon as after the injury, apply cold to minimize swelling. Repeat a few times each day for one or two days
- Get medical attention immediately if you experience visual issues like double vision or blurring. Also, get help right once if you experience excruciating pain, bruising around both eyes, or bleeding from the nose or eyes
When to consult the doctor?
If the eye becomes infected or has not recovered after two weeks, consult a doctor.
If experiencing any of the following signs in addition to the injury, you should seek emergency medical attention:
- If you were senseless when you suffered the black eye
- Eyesight loss or alterations to one’s vision
- Severe eye pain or persistent headaches
- Blood inside the eye, on the surface of the eyeball, or coming from the eye
- Inhaling through your nose is difficult
- Nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, or drowsiness
- Gaps in memory
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022