Eye Contusion

What is an Eye Contusion

Eye contusion is a deep bruise of the eye or the area around the eye.

This is often called a “black eye.”

A black eye can happen when an injury causes bleeding under the skin.

The skin over the bruise may turn blue, purple, or yellow. Minor injuries may be painless.

Worse bruises may be painful and swollen for a few weeks. A black eye can affect your eyeball and your sight.

What Are Symptoms of an Eye Contusion?

Here are the symptoms of an Eye Contusion:

  • pain around the eye
  • swelling around the eye, which can be mild at first, then increasing later. Swelling may make it difficult to open the eye
  • discoloration (like a bruise) around the eye. The skin around the eye may be red at first, then grows darker, progressing to purple, yellow, green or black
  • blurred vision

Follow these instructions at home:

  • If directed, put ice on the injured area:
    • Put ice in a plastic bag.
    • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
    • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
  • Sleep with your head raised (elevated). You may do this by putting an extra pillow under your head.
  • Return to your normal activities as told by your doctor. Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you.

Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

  • Your symptoms do not get better after several days.
  • Medicine does not help your swelling or pain.

Get help right away if:

  • You lose your sight.
  • You are seeing double.
  • Your eye suddenly turns red.
  • The black part of your eye (pupil) is an odd shape or size.
  • You have very bad pain.
  • You feel sick to your stomach (nauseous).
  • You throw up (vomit).
  • You feel dizzy or sleepy, or you feel like you will pass out (faint).
  • You pass out.
  • You have a lot of clear fluid coming from your eye or nose.
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