A black eye, medically known as a periorbital hematoma, is a common injury characterized by bruising and swelling around the eye. It results from blunt trauma to the face, causing tiny blood vessels beneath the skin around the eye to break and leak blood. This pooling of blood causes the characteristic dark discoloration and puffiness. While often not serious, a black eye can signal a more significant underlying injury.
Initial Steps for Healing
Prompt action in the first 24 to 48 hours following the injury can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Applying a cold compress is a primary initial step to constrict blood vessels and limit blood pooling under the skin. Use an ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables, or ice cubes wrapped in a clean cloth to avoid direct skin contact. Apply the cold compress gently to the bruised area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, repeating every hour or so during the initial 1 to 2 days.
Elevating your head, especially during rest or sleep, also helps gravity reduce swelling by preventing blood and fluid from accumulating. Using extra pillows to prop up your head minimizes fluid pooling, which contributes to swelling and discoloration.
Continued Care for Recovery
After 24 to 48 hours, once swelling subsides, warm compresses can support healing. Warmth helps dilate blood vessels, promoting increased blood flow to the area. This enhanced circulation aids in the reabsorption of pooled blood, causing the bruise to change colors from deep purple or blue to green and yellow before fading. Apply a warm (not hot) compress for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day.
Gentle massage around the bruised area, but not directly on the eye, can further encourage blood flow and assist in breaking down clotted blood, helping the bruise clear more quickly. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can manage discomfort and reduce any lingering pain. Always follow dosage instructions on the medication label.
Actions to Avoid
To prevent worsening the injury or delaying recovery, avoid certain actions. Do not apply direct pressure to the eye itself, as this can cause further damage or pain. Avoid rubbing the bruised area, which can irritate sensitive tissues and spread bruising. Engaging in activities that could lead to further facial trauma, such as contact sports, should be avoided until the black eye has fully healed.
Resist the temptation to use unverified home remedies, such as applying raw meat to the eye. Raw meat can introduce harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Similarly, avoid applying any substances directly into the eye not specifically intended for ophthalmic use. Protecting the injured eye from additional impact during healing is important to prevent complications.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most black eyes heal without complications within one to three weeks, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Seek professional help if you experience vision changes, such as blurriness, double vision, or loss of sight. Persistent or severe pain, inability to move the eye normally, or blood visible in the white or colored parts of the eye are serious indicators.
Signs of infection, including increasing redness, warmth, pus, or drainage, require medical evaluation. A black eye accompanied by a severe, persistent headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or loss of consciousness after the injury could indicate a concussion or skull fracture. Bruising around both eyes, sometimes called “raccoon eyes,” can also suggest a skull fracture.