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.
Must Read Articles:
-
Bleeding in Eye (Hyphema)
Hyphema is bleeding in the eye. Trauma to the eye can cause bleeding in the front (or anterior chamber) of the eye between the cornea and the iris. This may put a person at risk for glaucoma later in life. -
Bruises (Bruising) Causes, Symptoms, Remedies, Treatment, and Prognosis
A bruise is a common skin injury that results in a discoloration of the skin. Symptoms and signs include pain and discolored skin. Applying a cold compress may speed healing and reduce swelling. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be taken for pain. -
Eye Foreign Body
A foreign body in the eye can range from nothing serious to a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. A foreign body in the eye may cause burning, irritation, tearing, and redness. Treatment depends on the extent of the eye injury. -
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries range from the very minor, such as getting soap in the eye, to the catastrophic, resulting in permanent loss of vision. Treatment of eye injuries depends on the nature of the injury. Prompt evaluation and treatment is necessary to protect vision. -
Eye Pain
Eye pain has many causes, signs, symptoms, and treatments. It's also described as pain behind the eye, eye socket pain, or shooting pain in the eye. Headaches and sinusitis can be causes of eye pain. -
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (Bleeding in Eye)
Subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in eye) is a bursting of small blood vessels in the sclera, or white part of the eye, located under the thin, moist membrane that covers the eye called the conjunctiva. The hemorrhage appears as a red blotch in the white of the eye.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.