A black eye, also known as a periorbital hematoma, is a common skin injury resulting in discoloration of the skin around the eye. It occurs due to an injury to the head or face that causes blood and other fluids to collect in the space around the eye, resulting in swelling and discoloration (typically black). However, the eye is not usually damaged.
The primary cause of black eye is a blow to the eyes. Other causes of a black eye include:
The black and blue eye discoloration is caused by broken blood vessels under the skin. Initially, a swollen black eye and discoloration might be light, and the affected area may not form an immediate black eye. The affected area may become red and then turn to a darker shade of deep violet, yellow, green, or black, while the swelling increases with the discoloration. Major black eye symptoms include:
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The black eye has no serious symptoms and can be treated at home. Some ways to treat a black eye:
Swelling increases after two days of injury, so don't be scared if you wake up with swollen eyes. During recovery, the affected area crosses different stages from purple to green and yellow before fading away, following which the skin color returns to normal.
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Contact a doctor if you notice no improvement in your eyes despite trying the above remedies. Signs of an infection or any other problem include:
Most black eye injuries aren't serious. However, sometimes they may indicate a serious skull injury or internal injury. If the swollen black eye does not improve, seek immediate medical help.
If you are suffering from a black eye, consult our MI Express Urgent Care medical team today! Our team of expert healthcare providers can offer treatment for your black eye and prevent it from worsening.
