A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Treating Black Eyes

A black eye, also known as a periorbital hematoma, refers to bruising, discoloration, and swelling around the eye area. This condition is common and results from damaged blood vessels near the eye. While rarely severe, a black eye may cause significant pain and discomfort. 
 

What Causes a Black Eye?

Black eyes happen when something hits the eye area. This can break tiny blood vessels next to the skin around the eyes. When these vessels break, blood leaks under the skin, leading to swelling and bruising. Things that can cause a black eye include getting hit in sports, fights, falls, or car crashes. 

Breaking bones near the eye, like the nose bone or eye socket, can also cause black eyes. Having eye surgery rarely causes bruising around the eyes. Forceful sneezing, coughing, or vomiting can also put pressure on eye blood vessels and lead to a black eye.

Signs and Symptoms of a Black Eye

·       Black, blue, or purple bruise around the eye

·       Swelling around the eye

·       Pain around the bruised eye

·       Vision problems

·       Headache and light sensitivity

·       Difficulty fully opening the eyelid due to swelling

Diagnosing a Black Eye

Doctors can tell a black eye just by looking at it. They may ask questions to check for other injuries. They want to know what caused the black eye to help find other risks. They will ask about any vision changes since swelling can affect sight rarely. 

Doctors also want to know if it hurts to move the eye, as this may mean damage to muscles or nerves. They check for other signs of injury, like nosebleeds, which can mean broken facial bones. Feeling dizzy or confused may signal a head injury.

Treating and Healing a Black Eye

Black eyes mostly heal within two weeks without issues. To help them heal, use a cold pack on the area to reduce swelling and bruising. Take over-the-counter pain pills to help with discomfort. Keep the head raised to lessen facial swelling. 

Rest and protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses outside. Use eye drops if swelling makes blinking challenging to keep the eye moist. Try arnica gel, as this may help relieve bruising. Wear an eye mask while sleeping to protect the sore skin.

Seeking Medical Care for a Black Eye

While most black eyes improve with simple home care, prompt medical attention is necessary if the patient experiences:

·       Sudden vision loss or severe eye pain signaling potential eye damage or glaucoma

·       Bleeding within the eye or eye trauma like chemical burns or penetrating injuries

·       Ongoing dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea, indicating a concussion or head bleed

·       Inability to move the eye due to injury of eye muscles or orbital bones

·       Fever, redness, and discharge due to a possible infection

Preventing Black Eyes

To prevent black eyes, wear helmets, goggles, or face shields when needed to protect the eyes. Use safety gear like handrails, furniture pads, and play mats. To limit bruising risk, you should also control health issues like elevated blood pressure.

While common, black eyes are avoidable. Proper care helps them heal quickly; most will improve with simple treatment at home.

A black eye is a common, short-term injury but can cause considerable discomfort during healing. Knowing how to recognize the signs of a black eye, treating symptoms safely at home, and discerning when to seek medical attention can promote proper healing. Most resolve within two weeks with adequate self-care and protection of the injured eye.