Black
Eye Overview
Black eye is the appearance of bruising
around the eyes. This may occur when the small blood vessels (capillaries)
beneath the skin have broken and blood has leaked into the surrounding tissue,
creating discolorations. Black eye is also referred to as eye bruises and
bruising around the eyes.
A black eye is usually the result of
trauma to the head or face. It results in bleeding beneath the skin, which causes
discoloration or bruising. Most black eyes are not serious, but sometimes can
be an indicator of a medical emergency like a skull fracture. Black eyes appear
after some surgical procedures such as nose surgery or facelift. Black eye may
occur when blood, originating in the forehead or nose, settles by gravitational
effect underneath the eye. "Raccoon eyes" refers to blood that
settles underneath the eyes and is associated with a fracture in the base of
the skull.
Over the course of a few days, the
black and blue color of the bruises around the eyes fades to yellow or green as
the blood breaks down and is reabsorbed into the surrounding tissues. Depending
on the amount of blood that has collected within the skin, the tissues may
require up to two weeks to return to normal color.
Itâs important to be aware that
unexplained bruising may be a sign of domestic violence or abuse. Your health
providers are required by law to ask you questions to make sure you are safe in
your domestic situation.
Associated Diagnoses
Associated diagnoses include:
broken nose
concussion
Dengue fever
Christmas disease
epidural hematoma
eye emergencies
head injury
factor II deficiency
factor V deficiency
factor VII deficiency
factor X deficiency
subdural hematoma
shaken baby syndrome
skull fracture
hemophila A
Von Willebrand disease
Diagnosis and Treatment
Black eyes due to a minor injury can be
treated with rest, ice, and pain medication. A follow-up visit with your doctor
is indicated if you have any visual changes or lingering pain. If swelling and
pain accompany bruising, apply a cold compress for 20 minutes until the
swelling is reduced. When the swelling is reduced, you may apply a warm
compress to help promote reabsorption of the blood.
If you seek medical treatment, a
thorough physical examination will be done, including an eye exam. CT scans and
x-rays of the face and head may be done if fractures are suspected. If an
injury to the eye itself is suspected, you will be referred to an
ophthalmologist. If a head injury is suspected, you will be referred to a
neurosurgeon. If fractures of the face are suspected, you will be referred to
an ENT specialist. You will be referred to a cosmetic surgeon to repair any
significant lacerations of the face.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Black eyes are accompanied by any of
the following symptoms:
fractures
broken teeth
headache
loss of vision
loss of consciousness
blood or clear fluid draining from the nose or
ears
blood on the surface of the eyeball
inability to move the eye
blurred or otherwise altered vision
red eyes
purulent drainage
behavioral changes: forgetfulness, lethargy
nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
gait changes or difficulty walking
Source: http://www.healthline.com