Black Eye - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What Is Black Eye?

The eye is one of the important parts of the body that helps us see. The skin surrounding the eye is usually of normal color, but sometimes, there can be some discoloration, which can be physiological or pathological. One such condition is the black eye, which happens due to bruising under the skin that surrounds the eye.

Another term used to describe this condition is shiner, which is medically termed a periorbital hematoma. It is also called raccoon eyes. As in this situation, the blood can be seen settling under the eyes and is mostly in conjunction with skull base fracture.

What Causes Black Eyes?

The common causes of the black eye include:

• Commonly caused by head or face injury, leading to bleeding in skin tissues due to broken blood vessels.

• Can also occur after nose or facelift surgeries.

• Discoloration changes from black to yellow or green as blood breaks down and gets reabsorbed.

• Healing time varies based on blood accumulation, often taking about two weeks.

• Unexplained black eyes can be a sign of domestic violence or abuse.

Black Eye Without Injury:

• Unusual but possible.

• May result from increased blood pressure causing a burst capillary.

Black Eye Overnight:

• Waking up with a sudden black eye usually means an accidental eye or facial injury the day before.

• If no injury is remembered and the eye turns black overnight, consult a doctor, as it could indicate a more serious issue.

When Should One Consider Calling The Doctor?

It is important to contact the physician in case the individual has vision changes after injury or experiences extreme pain or constant swelling, signs of infection like warmth, fever, redness, malaise, and drainage of pus-like material. Also, if the individual has any behavior change, forgets easily or is lethargic, experiences nausea and vomiting, difficulty in moving the eyeball, and requires immediate medical attention.

How Black Eyes Be Diagnosed?

Initially, on visiting the physician, he or she will question basic details followed by the details of the injury like how and when it occurred. Then, the vision will be tested by using light and asked to follow the doctor’s finger with the eyes.

If the physician suspects a fracture of the skull, they need to undergo a CT (computed tomography) scan and X-ray of the head and face. For a suspected eye injury, the patient will be asked to consult an eye specialist or ophthalmologist. The eye specialist will put a dye in the eyes to test for any abrasion in the eyeballs. For head injury, referral to a neurosurgeon will be done, and for facial fractures, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists will be asked to check for it.

What Are The Conditions Associated With Black Eyes?

Yes, many conditions suspected to be associated with black eyes are mentioned below:

• Concussion: Head injury causing temporary cognitive issues.

• Injury to the Nose: Damage to the nose, often leading to bleeding.

• Dengue Fever: Mosquito-borne viral illness with high fever.

• Emergency Conditions of the Eyes: Urgent eye problems requiring immediate attention.

• Hemophilia: Genetic blood disorder causing prolonged bleeding.

• Factor II, V, VII, X Deficiency: Rare blood clotting factor disorders.

• Fracture of the Skull: Cranial bone break, potentially harming the brain.

• Injury to the Head: Various head injuries with varying severity.

• Subdural Hematoma: Blood collection under the brain's outer covering.

• Von Willebrand Disease: A bleeding disorder due to Von Willebrand factor deficiency.

It is important to check for the above-mentioned conditions so that a proper diagnosis can be made and better treatment can be done.

How to Get Rid of a Black Eye?

• Conservative Management: Typically, black eye management is conservative, especially for minor injuries.

• Minor Cases: Use ice, rest, and pain medication for minor cases to ease discomfort. Purchasing flexible ice packs can be beneficial to ease the discomfort.

• Continuous Pain or Vision Changes: Seek follow-up if experiencing ongoing pain or vision changes.

• Swelling and Bruising: Initially, apply a cold compress for 20 minutes, then switch to a warm compress when swelling decreases to aid blood reabsorption.

• Pain Management: Consider Ibuprofen or Paracetamol for pain and throbbing, but avoid applying pressure.

• Home Remedies: Home remedies like Arnica, ice packs, and vitamins C and K may help, but scientific evidence is limited.

• Children and Toddlers: For young children, apply a cold compress for 15 minutes multiple times a day and encourage the use of an eye shield to prevent eye closure due to swelling.

When Should an Individual Seek Immediate Medical Attention?

A person with black needs immediate medical attention if showing the following symptoms :

• Black eyes.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Unusual tiredness.

• Dizziness.

• Memory problems.

• Blood or clear fluid from the nose or ear.

Contact a doctor or reach out to a healthcare provider immediately if experiencing these symptoms along with black eyes. Inform them about the symptoms and the presence of black eyes. Seeking medical assistance is important, as these signs could be indicative of a more significant underlying issue that requires timely attention and evaluation.

What Are The Quick Home Remedies For The Black Eye?

• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress immediately to slow down blood flow, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain. Use an ice cube wrapped in a plastic bag and a clean towel. Apply for 10-20 minutes, avoiding excessive pressure. Repeat for several days.

• Gentle Massage: Once the swelling subsides, give a gentle massage around the eye to promote blood flow. If it causes pain, stop the massage.

• Warm Compress: Apply a warm compress to the affected area to further aid healing by increasing blood flow. Soak a clean cloth in warm water and apply for 20 minutes.

• Pain Management: Use pain relievers like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to manage discomfort.

Conclusion

Black eyes are often the result of minor injuries that lead to bruising around the eye area. While they are typically not a cause for major concern and can be managed with home remedies and pain relief, it is crucial to monitor any unexplained or sudden black eye development, as it may indicate underlying medical issues, including trauma or domestic violence. Seeking medical evaluation in such cases is important to ensure the well-being of the individual and rule out any serious concerns. With proper care and attention, most black eyes will heal over time, gradually returning to their normal appearance.