A black eye is a common condition where there is bruising of the bordering area on the eye after an injury to the head or the face occurred which results to bleeding inside because of a break of small blood vessels or the capillaries which causes the bruised appearance. A black eye can occur from playing sports to simply bumping into something. Other causes of a black eye can also result from infection around the eye, sinus infections, or even dental surgery.
Common causes
- Blunt force trauma to the face, common in sports.
- Surgery involving the face and its surrounding tissues.
- A basilar skull fracture, a kind of head injury where both the eyes swell and blacken.
- Other factors that cause swelling around the eye such as allergy, insect bites, etc.
Swelling and discoloration around the eye(s), from a shade of red to a darkened color.
Signs and symptoms of a black eye
- Swelling and discoloration around the eye(s), from a shade of red to a darkened color.
- Swelling and discoloration will develop overtime and eventually lighten and return to normal.
The victim may have trouble in vision such as blurry vision or difficulty in opening the eyes due to the swelling, but there also symptoms to indicate that the injury is more serious. A headache may also be present because the common cause of a black eye is a form of injury to the head.
Signs and symptoms that the black eye may also be a serious injury:
- You experience double vision.
- You experience a loss of sight or vision.
- Loss of consciousness from the injury.
- Difficulty or inability in moving the eye.
- A persistent painful headache.
- Blood on the surface of the eye(s).
- A discharge of blood coming from the nose or ears.
When to see a doctor
- You experience changes in sight or vision.
- The swelling around your eye is not caused by an injury.
- You experience severe pain that worsens.
- You see signs of an infection such as pus discharge, warmth, etc.
- The swelling does not improve or disappear after a few days.
- There is a deformity of the eye(s).
- Blood inside the eye(s).
Treatment
- Apply cold compress to the face.
- Over-the-counter pain medication.
Your doctor may perform different treatments for more serious cases of a black eye.
Prevention
- Wear safety gear such as safety eyewear or protective headgear.
- Wear seatbelts while driving to prevent minor accidents that lead to black eyes to serious injuries.
More Information
The details posted on this page on a black eye is for learning purposes only. To learn to care for the injury, enroll in a first aid course with one of our training providers.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_eye
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/black_eye/article_em.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-black-eye/basics/art-20056675