Black eye is a phrase used to describe bruising around the eye due to an injury to the face or the head. Blood and other fluids collect in the space around the eye, causing swelling and dark bruising in the tissue.
When there is trauma or injury to the face, the skin around the eye — which is very loose — is one of the first places to swell as fluid builds up. Although the name "black eye" would indicate otherwise, the eye itself is usually not injured. Many black eyes heal on their own in a few days.
However, a black eye can be a sign of a more serious injury. For instance, if there is bleeding within the eye that is called a hyphemaand should be looked for any time you see a black eye. It can affect yourcornea and your vision. In some cases of face or eye trauma, increased pressure inside the eyeballcan occur, resulting in damage to the eye and eyesight if not treated. If both eyes are black after a head injury, it could signify a skull fracture or other serious injury.
What Are Symptoms of a Black Eye?
After an injury to the eye, it is important to distinguish between symptoms of black eye and those that might indicate a more serious head injury.
Black eyesymptoms may include:
- pain around the eye
- swelling around the eye, which can be mild at first, then increasing later. Swelling may make it difficult to open the eye
- discoloration (like a bruise) around the eye. The skin around the eye may be red at first, then grows darker, progressing to purple, yellow, green or black
- blurred vision
Signs of a more serious head injury require medical attention, and may include the following:
- double vision
- vision loss
- blood on the eyeball surface
- inability to move the eye
- severe or ongoing headache
- fainting/loss of consciousness
- blood or fluid coming from the ears or nose
What Causes a Black Eye?
A black eye is most commonly caused by something hitting the eye or nose. Either one or both eyes may be blackened depending on where you get hit. If you suffer a blow to the nose, both eyes may swell; the swelling is due to the buildup of fluid in the loose skin beneath the eyes. Other types of trauma to the head can cause black eyes, including skull fractures.
Facial surgery can also cause black and swollen eyes, including facelifts, nose surgery or surgery on the jaw. Other conditions, such as allergiesand infections, can lead to swelling around the eye, but not the bruising discoloration of a black eye.
Black Eye Diagnosis
In general, your doctor can simply do a physical exam to diagnose a black eye. He or she willcheck your vision and test the motion of your eye by moving his or her finger in front of your face and asking you to follow the movement with your eyes. The doctor will shine a light into your eyes to assess if your pupil is dilating normally and to look at the inside of your eye for any problems.
The doctor will also examine the bones in your face and around your eye. If he or she suspects you may havefractured any bones or that there might be something inside the eye, you may have an X-ray or CT scan.
Black Eye Treatment
A typical black eye that does not involve more serious symptoms is generally treated with self-care at home. To reduce swelling and ease pain the first day, an ice pack can be applied to the eye for 15-20 minutes at a time, once every hour. If an ice pack is not available, a bag of frozen vegetables can be used, or ice cubes wrapped in cloth (to avoid freezing the skin). Despite what you see in movies or on television, you should never put a raw steak or other raw meat on a black eye. The bacteria on raw meat poses a high risk of infection, and this method of treating a black eye has no scientific basis.
Finally, be sure to keep the affected eye(s) well-protected from further injury. Avoid sports or other similar activities where the eye can be hit until the eye has healed.
If pain or swelling from a black eye do not improve after a few days, or if you are experiencing vision changes or problems, call your ophthalmologist.
FAQs
What Causes a Black Eye? Most black eyes are the result of blunt trauma that causes bleeding beneath the thin eyelid skin, producing the characteristic black and blue discoloration. A fracture deep inside the skull can also result in raccoon eyes, even if the eye area itself isn't injured.
How long will a black eye last? ›
Most black eyes heal on their own in two to three weeks without the need for medical treatment. However, a person should see a doctor if they have any of the following: a black eye that develops with no clear cause. a black eye that does not go away within three weeks.
Can you remove a black eye? ›
There are many ways to treat and get rid of a black eye at home, such as applying ice or a warm compress. These treatments can relieve swelling and pain. A black eye typically occurs after a blow to the eye area or the nose. If it develops due to injury, it will usually heal on its own.
Why do they call it black eye? ›
Black eye is a phrase used to describe bruising around the eye due to an injury to the face or the head. Blood and other fluids collect in the space around the eye, causing swelling and dark bruising in the tissue.
Why did I randomly wake up with a black eye? ›
A person may wake up with a black eye if they experienced physical trauma to the face the day before. It can also happen if they have recently had cosmetic surgery. If a person wakes up with a black eye they cannot explain, it is important to seek medical advice to determine the cause.
Is there a reason for eye black? ›
Eye black is a grease or strip applied under the eyes to reduce glare, although studies have not conclusively proven its effectiveness. It is often used by American football, baseball, softball, and lacrosse players to mitigate the effects of bright sunlight or stadium floodlights.
How to cover a black eye quickly? ›
The Best Black Eye Treatments and Cover-Up Hacks
- Use an Ice Pack.
- Use a Topical Arnica Ointment.
- Don't Take the Wrong Painkillers.
- Apply Concealer to the Bruised Area.
- Try a Vitamin C Cream.
- Also Consider: Bilberry Extract Capsules.
- After Icing Your Eye, Try a Warm Compress.
- Treat the Bruised Area With a Massaging Ice Roller.
Most black eyes are superficial injuries that don't cause any permanent damage to the eye or to the tissues around it.
What cream is good for a black eye? ›
Topical arnica gels, creams, and lotions are a leading remedy for black eyes. Witch Hazel. Wondering, what to put on a black eye? Used for centuries in skincare for its astringent qualities, witch hazel is also commonly used as a natural remedy for black eyes.
Does toothpaste help bruises? ›
How does toothpaste get rid of bruises? There's little evidence it does. Search online and you'll find this tip listed as a “hack” for helping bruises disappear, which may be related to other advice recommending peppermint oil for the same purpose.
The skin may turn from black and blue to green, yellow, and brown before it returns to its normal colour. It may take 1 to 3 weeks to return to normal. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
Can you rub a black eye? ›
After the first 24 hours, you can swap the cold compresses for a warm — but not hot — compress. This increases blood flow to the area. If it's comfortable, you can also massage gently around the eye area, but not the eye itself.
When should you see a doctor about a black eye? ›
A black eye usually heals on its own.
To be safe, see an eye doctor right away if your black eye is accompanied by any changes in vision, dizziness, loss of consciousness, vomiting or severe pain.
What causes a black eye without injury? ›
Other causes of black eyes include: Sinus infections, or an allergy or allergic reaction (from a bee sting to the nose or eyelid, for example). Facial surgery such as nasal surgery. Aesthetic treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections.
Can you swim with a black eye? ›
Whether you have a minor scratch or a serious injury, it's important to avoid swimming until your eye has fully healed. Here are 5 compelling reasons why swimming should be avoided with an eye injury. Swimming pools are filled with chlorine and other chemicals to keep the water clean.
What causes your eye to black out? ›
When a blood vessel in your retina tightens, it causes a vasospasm. This cuts down on blood flow, which can bring on temporary vision loss in one eye. Various conditions can lead to a vasospasm. These include a retinal migraine, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure.
Why do I suddenly have an unexplained bruise under my eye? ›
Bruise under the eye can occur for a variety of reasons: nose injury, plastic surgery of the eyes or eyelids, allergic reaction, bites, skin or tooth infection, and one of the most common causes is face stubbing. Eye bruise may cause swelling, damaged area, and headaches, and makes vision difficult.
Is black eye caused by lack of sleep? ›
Sleep deprivation
“When an individual does not sleep enough, it creates vasodilatation and increased blood flow,” Winter explains. “When the vessels under the eyes dilate, it creates the dark bluish color under the eyes.” Dr. Jeffrey T.S.
What is the disease that makes your eyes black? ›
Black Eyes
There's an eye disorder known as aniridia which makes the eye appear to have “no iris.” In truth, there is a small ring of iris tissue, but it is so small and the pupil is so large that it can look like the eyes are completely black. It is due to a chromosome mutation.
