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BLACK EYES

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BLACK EYES

A black eye is a bruising around the eye commonly due to an injury or trauma to the face or head.

  • Another name for a black eye is shiner, and the medical name for it is a periorbital hematoma.
  • The black colour associated with the condition occurs as a result of blood and other fluids that collect at the space under the eye.
  • Most trauma or injury that causes a black eye is not serious, and they heal on their own in about 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Sometimes, a black eye may indicate a more serious injury, such as an internal injury to the eye, or may result from a fracture of the thin bones around the eye.
  • If the area around both eyes is bruised (raccoon eye), a nosebleed occur, or you experience double vision, you may have a skull fracture or other type of head injury.
  • Any bleeding inside the eyes may need serious medical attention, as there could be a damage that may affect the cornea and cause vision problems.

CAUSES

A black eye is usually the result of an impact in which an object strikes the area surrounding the eye. This could be from a ball, a fist, a door, or any other items

A black eye can also occur after cosmetic facial surgery or nasal surgery.

Some dental works and tooth infections can also cause a black eye.]

An allergic reaction from insect bites

Other serious causes of a black eye are skull fracture and cellulitis (a serious infection around the eyes). These conditions usually result in a black eye on both faces that are sometimes described as raccoon eyes.

SYMPTOMS

  • Swelling around the eyelid
  • Pain
  • Discoloration around the eyelid and eye sockets

Symptoms of more serious injury:

  • Double vision
  • Loss of consciousness
  • A persistent headache
  • Clear fluid or blood from the nose or eyes
  • Blood on the surface of the eye
  • Inability to move the eye
  • Seizure or vomiting

Call for immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms that may indicate a more serious injury.

You should also see your doctor if you have:

  • Persistent vision problems such as unusual sensitivity to light
  • A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
  • You have an open cut around the eye
  • Your eyeball hurts

Any of the symptoms above may indicate a damage to the eyeball and evaluation by a specialist may be required.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

To make a diagnosis, a physical examination is first carried out. During the physical examination, the doctor will check your vision, examine the inside of your eyes and pupil for any injury, test the motion of the eye, and examine the bones around the eyes.

The doctor may also question you in regard to the injury and look for other associated symptoms.

Further imaging tests such as CT scan, X-ray may be carried out depending on the outcome of the physical examination.

TREATMENT

Extensive medical attention is not always needed unless there is an actual trauma to the eye. The doctor will recommend home treatment including ice and pain medication to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Other home remedies may include:

  • Gentle massage
  • Using warm compress
  • Avoid any athletic or other serious activities until the eyes heal.