Face Squeeze

• Face Squeeze Overview
• Face Squeeze Symptoms
• Face Squeeze Treatment
• When to Seek Medical Care
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Face Squeeze Overview

Face squeeze is a feeling that occurs when scuba diving as a result of failing to equalize the pressure inside the diving mask.

Face Squeeze Symptoms

• Facial bruising



• Facial pressure



• Red eyes or face



• Changes in vision (rare)

Face Squeeze Treatment

If a person experiences a face squeeze, that person should discontinue diving until healed.

When to Seek Medical Care

If changes in vision occur, see a doctor or eye specialist as soon as possible.

For More Information

Web Links

MedlinePlus, Bruise

MedlinePlus, Bruise mark treatment

Diving Medicine Online, Diving and The Eye

Synonyms and Keywords

face squeeze, facial pain, scuba diving, ring around the face, vacuum effect, bruise, subconjunctival hemorrhage, scuba diving injury

Authors and Editors

Author: Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM, Research Director, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Editors: N Stuart Harris, MD, MFA, Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; James Kimo Takayesu, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital.

Last Editorial Review: 8/10/2005