Definition

An eye contusion (black eye) is when blood vessels around the eye are damaged or broken after an injury.

Eyelid Contusion Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

A black eye is caused by being struck in the eye or nose.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

• Playing sports such as basketball, football, hockey, and boxing
• Certain jobs with a higher risk of eye injuries, such as manufacturing and construction
• Being around violence
• Taking part in fights
• Not wearing a seat belt

Symptoms

The main symptom is a black and blue or purple mark around the eye. There may also be redness, swelling, and tenderness or pain. The skin may turn yellow when it begins to heal.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked how the injury happened. The eye will be examined. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

More tests may be done to look for other problems from the injury, such as trouble seeing or a fracture.

Treatment

Most black eyes heal on their own in about 2 weeks. The goal of treatment is to ease pain and swelling. Choices are:

• Applying ice on the eye after the injury
• Applying a warm pack on the eye after swelling has gone down
• Taking pain relievers, such as acetaminophen

Prevention

To lower the risk of a black eye:

• Wear eye protection when playing sports or doing work that may result in eye injury.
• Avoid situations that may involve fighting.
• Wear a seat belt when you are in a motor vehicle.