Page 64 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

62 COMMON CONDITIONS: EYE AND EAR PROBLEMS

Black eye

A black eye is a bruise that develops around the eye, usually as
WARNING
a result of a direct blow to the eye. You may also get a black eye
with other facial injuries because the skin around the eyes is Seek medical help immediately if:
delicate and easily bruised. Swelling, tenderness, and bleeding ● You cannot see clearly and/or
have blurred or double vision
under the skin usually develop shortly after the injury. Later, the ● Your eye or eyelid is injured
eyelids and surrounding area turn bluish black, and gradually ● You lost consciousness, even
fade to purple and then yellow as the bruise heals. Most black for a short time
eyes disappear within 10–14 days.

See your doctor first
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Arrange to see your doctor urgently if:
● You are not certain how the black eye Applying an ice pack Put something
cold on a black eye as soon as possible to reduce
was caused or are concerned in any way
about the condition of your eye swelling and bleeding under the skin.
● Use a bag of frozen peas or crushed ice wrapped
in a wet towel, or a cloth soaked in cold water and
wrung out. (If none are available, use a cold canned
What you can do yourself drink held lightly to the edge of the bruised area.)
● Hold the ice pack or cloth for 10–15 minutes
For a black eye caused by a minor injury, start without applying direct pressure to the eye.
using these home treatments as soon as possible ● Reapply up to 8 times a day
to minimize bruising and discomfort. for the first 24–48 hours
● Apply an ice pack to the eye to reduce swelling after the injury.
and bleeding (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, right).
Treating your eye
● Keep your head raised on pillows at night to Hold an ice pack or cold
reduce the swelling. cloth gently on your
eye, but don’t press it
● If necessary, take an analgesic (see DRUG hard against the skin.
REMEDIES, right) to relieve discomfort.
● Avoid contact sports until your eye has healed.
● Try not to blow your nose hard because it
increases blood flow to the face and makes
swelling around the eye worse.

Seek further medical advice
Arrange to see your doctor if:
DRUG REMEDIES
● The black eye is not healing after a few
days, becomes hot and swollen, or leaks pus Analgesics Acetaminophen (see p.177) or
● There is any alteration in your vision ibuprofen (see p.185) will reduce the discomfort of
● You have persistent pain or headaches a black eye. Avoid aspirin because it may prolong
the bleeding that causes a black eye.