Black Eye

Black Eye Overview

A black eye is a relatively common result of some injury to the face or the head. A black eye is caused when blood and other fluids collect in the space around the eye. Swelling and dark discoloration result-hence, the name "black eye."

Most black eyes are relatively minor injuries. Many black eyes heal on their own in a few days. Sometimes, they signify a more serious injury.

Despite the name, "black eye," the eye itself is not usually injured. The tissues around the eye may be significantly discolored and swollen without any injury to the eye itself. Think of it as a bruise around the eye.

Like a bruise, as a black eye heals, the swelling around the eye decreases, and the bruise gradually fades away.

• The skin around the eye is very loose, with mostly fat underneath it. This makes it an ideal site for fluid to accumulate. The effects of gravity also help to swell this part of the face. This is why many people wake up with "puffy" eyes in the morning.

• When there is an injury to the face, the skin around the eye is one of the first places to swell. Depending on the location and type of injury, one or both eyes may be affected.

Black Eye Causes

The most common cause of a black eye is a blow to the eye or the nose. Depending on where the blow lands, one or both eyes may be affected.

• A blow to the nose often causes both eyes to swell because the swelling from the nasal injury causes fluid to collect in the loose tissues of the eyelids.

• Surgical procedures to the face, such as a facelift, jaw surgery, or nose surgery, can cause black eyes as well.

• A certain type of head injury, called a basilar skull fracture, causes both eyes to swell and blacken. This condition is typically described as "raccoon's eyes."

• Other causes of swelling around the eye include allergic reactions, bites, cellulitis (skin infection around the eye), angioedema (hereditary condition causing swelling, usually around both eyes), and dental infections. However, these conditions do not make the skin turn black and blue around the eye.

Black Eye Symptoms

Pain and swelling are the most common signs and symptoms of a black eye.

• • Initially, the swelling and discoloration may be mild. The eye often starts off slightly reddened, then progresses to a darker shade.
    
    
  • Ultimately, the skin around the eye becomes deep violet, yellow, green, or black in color.
    
    
  • Swelling increases as discoloration progresses.
    
    
  • Over the course of a few days, the area becomes lighter and the swelling goes down.
• Although some blurry vision or difficulty opening the eye may be seen because of the swelling, more serious visual problems are less common.
• Headache may also be present, because the usual cause of a black eye is some sort of head injury.
• Signs of a more serious injury are:
  
  
  • Double vision
    
    
  • Loss of sight
    
    
  • Loss of consciousness
    
    
  • Inability to move the eye
    
    
  • Blood or clear fluid from the nose or the ears
    
    
  • Blood on the surface of the eye itself
    
    
  • Persistent headache