Doctor's Notes on Black Eye
A black eye refers to the visible bruising of the eyelid and the area around the eye. A black eye is typically caused by trauma to the eye or face. A common cause is a blow to the nose, eye, or forehead. Other causes can include surgery on the face or a type of skull fracture known as a basilar skull fracture.
Signs and symptoms associated with a black eye can include:
- pain,
- swelling, and
- headache.
The bruising is usually dark purple at the outset after the injury. Certain symptoms may be indicative of a more serious injury, such as:
- severe pain,
- vision changes,
- changes in mental status,
- nausea and vomiting,
- dizziness,
- forgetfulness,
- behavioral changes, or
- inability to move the eye.
What Is the Treatment for a Black Eye?
Applying ice packs for 10 minutes every 1-2 hours immediately after the injury can help reduce swelling and bleeding. Otherwise, there is no treatment that can improve the appearance of a black eye, which improves gradually over time. It’s important to seek medical attention right away if you have:
- fever,
- severe pain in the eye,
- bleeding around both eyes (raccoon eyes),
- changes in vision,
- bleeding from the eye, or
- problems breathing through the nose.
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REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.