Eye Injury (Black Eye)

Ecchymosis is also called a black eye. It usually happens from an injury to the eye, causing the tissue around the eye to become bruised. Your doctor will examine the eye closely to make sure there's no damage to the eye itself.

Most black eyes heal completely and don't cause any damage to the eye. In a simple injury, black eyes are treated with self-care at home. Treatment may include:

• Cold compresses to the eye for the first 24 to 48 hours. An ice pack can be applied to the eye for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, once every hour. A bag of frozen vegetables or ice cubes can also be used. Wrap the bag of vegetables or ice cubes in a cloth so you won't damage the skin. Never apply a raw steak to the black eye (as seen in movies). Bacteria on raw meat increases the risk for infection. This type of treatment does not help.
• Warm compresses to the eye after the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Continued compresses until the swelling stops.
• Keeping the head elevated to help decrease the amount of swelling.

It's important to know that the swelling and bruising may appear to spread and go down the cheek or to the other eye. This is normal. Talk with your doctor or an ophthalmologist if the bruising and swelling doesn't resolve on its own in a few days or if you have vision changes.

Make sure to keep the affected eye protected from another injury. Wear protective eye gear for sports or work that can cause damage the eyes. Don't do activities where the eye can be hit.