How to Care for a Black Eye

A black eye is caused by bleeding under the skin around the eye, usually from a blow or other trauma. Take these steps to minimize the swelling and discomfort and to speed recovery.

Check the eyelid carefully for lacerations. If the lid has been cut, a doctor may need to repair it with a few fine sutures.
Place an ice pack or cold compress over the injury for 10 minutes every hour for the first day. Never put ice directly on your skin. Always use an ice pack or wrap a cloth around the ice. Ice helps constrict blood vessels and localize bleeding.
On the second and third days, apply a heating pad or warm, moist com-presses to the injury for 10 to 20 minutes each hour or two. Heat applied 24 to 48 hours after the injury will help your body absorb the excess blood around delicate eye tissue.
Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows. This helps to reduce swelling of the eyelids.
Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen for discomfort if you are an adult. Children should not take aspirin.
Wear dark glasses, especially in well-lit areas, to reduce eyestrain as the black eye is healing.

Tips & Warnings

The eyeball, the bones around the eye and the eye muscles may all be affected by trauma to the eye.
Blood may drain into the eyelid, making it difficult to open. Blood may also drain into the cheek. The tissue around the eye will remain bruised for two to three weeks.
See your doctor if your black eye causes you any special concerns.
If you have any problems with vision, including blurred, double or fuzzy vision, or if you feel faint, dizzy or confused, or experience nausea and vomiting call your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Tips & Warnings

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