Have you ever seen someone's eye turn blue and look bruised? You've probably had it too. We call this a "black eye." But even though the name "black eye" says it, it often doesn't mean a big problem inside the eye. The skin around the eye is the problem here, that is, the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, and the skin around the eye itself.
But here's a little something to keep in mind. Sometimes, the accident that caused this "black eye" can cause more damage to the eye or the head. For example, there may be a fracture around the eye, or there may be a fracture elsewhere in the head. There may even be damage to the inside of the eye. So, eyes are very precious, so don't just put an ice pack on them and think that's it. It's best to see a doctor as soon as possible, especially before swelling sets in (within an hour or two of the injury). Then they can take a good look at the eye and the area around the eye to make sure there's no other damage.
What is a "Black Eye"?
Simply put, a "black eye" is a bruise that occurs around the eye after a traumatic event to your face or head. This bruise can turn the skin around the eye purple, blue, or black. In most cases, this refers to damage to the skin around the eye, rather than major damage to the inside of the eye.
Imagine, you are playing cricket and a fast ball hits you in the eye. Or, let's say you hit your face on a door frame. This can also happen when a child falls while playing and hits their face on a table leg. In such cases, the tiny blood vessels under the skin get damaged. When these blood vessels are damaged, some blood leaks out. This blood collects under the skin and causes bruises, blue spots, and swelling.
What are the symptoms of blue around the eyes?
There are several main symptoms of a "black eye." You may have one or more of these:
- Changes in skin color around the eyes: This means bruising, such as turning blue or purple.
- Pain around the eyes: Not only when you press hard, but you can also feel pain when you just stand there.
- Swelling around the eyes: This swelling can increase over an hour or two. Sometimes it can be so swollen that it's difficult to open your eyes.
How the "Black Eye" Changes Color (Stages of a Black Eye)
"Black eye" can change color over time. Just like a rainbow!
1. First: The skin around the eye may turn red immediately after the injury.
2. After a while: This red color will turn into a dark red.
3. Then: After a day or two, the area may turn purple, blue, and sometimes even black.
4. After a few days: As the bruise begins to heal, the color changes to green or yellow and gradually disappears.
If your skin tone is a bit darker, this bruise may appear purple, dark brown, or even black.
Why do these "black eyes" occur?
Most often, a "black eye" is caused by a sudden injury (trauma) to the eye or the area around the eye. For example:
- If something like a ball hits your eye.
- If you hit your face against a door, wall, or other hard object.
- If you fall and hit your face on something hard.
- When someone hits you, when you get punched.
- In a car accident.
A "black eye" occurs when small blood vessels under the skin rupture in an accident like this, causing blood to leak and pool.
After surgery
Sometimes, blue circles around the eyes can also occur after dental surgery (e.g., wisdom tooth extraction, tooth extraction), facelifts , nose surgery , or jaw surgery .
You might be wondering how a surgery on your mouth or anywhere else on your face can cause blue around your eyes. The reason for this is that during surgery, a small amount of bleeding can occur. This blood can travel from under the skin to the delicate skin around your eyes, where it collects and appears as a bruise.
Also, blue eyes can appear when you start taking certain new medications or as a side effect of a treatment. If this happens, you should tell your doctor right away. They can then see if they need to make any changes to your treatment plan.
Can the area around the eye become blue without an injury?
Yes, sometimes the eyes can turn blue without any injury or surgery. These are usually caused by less serious causes.
- Spontaneous Periocular Ecchymosis (SPE): This is a very rare condition. It is a sudden, blue discoloration of the area around the eye that occurs for no apparent reason, without any history of injury or surgery. It often affects both eyes (similar to "raccoon eyes"). Serious conditions that can cause this include:
- Diseases like amyloidosis .
- Certain types of cancer .
- Vascular malformations of the blood vessels surrounding the eye, associated with increased intracranial pressure .
- Migraine .
- Allergic Shiners: Sometimes, dark circles under the eyes can look like a "black eye," but they're not really bruises. These are called "allergic shiners." They're caused by nasal congestion. When the lining of the nose swells, blood flow slows down in the blood vessels around the eyes. When these blood vessels swell, the skin covering them can appear dark and puffy.
Can a "black eye" cause other complications?
A "black eye" bruise itself does not cause major complications. It is a temporary bruise that will heal on its own over time.
But, most importantly, the initial accident that caused the "black eye" can lead to other serious complications.
Things like that could happen:
- Bleeding inside the eye (Hyphema)
- Orbital fracture , or a fracture elsewhere in the face or head
- Dislocated lens
- Increased pressure inside the eye (Ocular Hypertension)
- Retinal tears or detachment
- Vitreous hemorrhage
That's why we've always said that it's important to see a doctor as soon as you get a "black eye" and not just ignore it.
How does a doctor know for sure that this is a "black eye"?
A doctor will diagnose a "black eye" by examining the area around your eye. They will look for the bruising and swelling that are typical of a "black eye." In addition, they may also:
- It tells you to check your eyesight, like reading something like text on a screen.
- They move a finger in front of your face, side to side, to see if you can turn your eyes in that direction.
- They use special instruments to dilate your pupil and look inside your eye.
- The monks will touch different areas of your face to check for broken bones.
- If necessary, an X-ray or CT scan will be done to determine if there are any broken bones or other problems.
What can be done to treat a "black eye"?
If you have a "black eye" due to an injury, the best thing you can do at home is to apply cold compresses . This will help stop the bleeding under the skin and reduce swelling. Here's how to do it:
- Crush some ice cubes and put them in a bag, or take a gel pack from the freezer and place it over your (closed) eye.
- Keep it on for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- You can do this about once an hour.
- If you don't have a gel pack or ice, you can use a bag of vegetables from the freezer (one that can be folded into a shape that suits your eye, like corn or green peas).
- Most importantly: Whatever you use, wrap it in a thin piece of cloth to prevent skin damage.
One thing you should never do is put a piece of raw meat on your eye. Raw meat contains a lot of bacteria, which can cause an eye infection. Also, there is no scientific evidence that putting raw meat on your eye reduces swelling.
If you have a "black eye" after surgery or for another reason, ask your doctor what the best treatment is. They will advise you based on your situation.
Do you definitely need to see a doctor when you get a "black eye"?
Yes, absolutely! Especially if the bruise around your eye is the result of an injury or accident, see a doctor right away. The doctor can then check for any other damage besides the bruise and tell you what treatment you need. They may just say, "Go home and put some ice on it." But it's best to know for sure if it's just a bruise and not something else.
In particular, if you have any of these symptoms along with your "black eye", see a doctor without delay:
- If there is bleeding from the ears, nose, or mouth.
- If the size or shape of the pupil of the eye seems to have changed.
- If there is a change in vision (e.g., seeing one thing at a time, or losing vision).
- If you feel dizzy or faint.
- If you have a severe headache, or if the headache does not subside.
- If your face feels numb somewhere.
- If you feel pain when moving your eyes.
- If it is difficult to move your eyes.
- If there is severe pain around the eye.
- If you are vomiting.
Also, if you suddenly have blue eyes for no apparent reason, you should see a doctor immediately, as it could be a sign of another serious medical condition.
If you get a "black eye" after dental or facial surgery, talk to the doctor who performed the surgery. They will tell you if this is normal and what you can do to help it heal.
How long does it take for a "black eye" to heal?
A "black eye" usually heals within a few weeks. However, if you have other injuries in addition to the bruise around your eye (such as a broken bone), it may take longer to fully heal. Your doctor can give you a rough idea of how long it will take.
Until your eye heals, be as careful as possible about activities that could cause further injury to your face or head.
Can't you cure a "black eye" overnight?
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for a "black eye." It won't heal overnight. However, applying ice to the area about once an hour for the first 24 hours after the injury can help stop the bleeding under the skin and reduce swelling.
Until the bruise heals, you can use an under-eye concealer or foundation to make it less visible.
Can a "black eye" occur a few days after a head injury?
Yes, it can happen. Sometimes, a day or two after a skull fracture, the area around your eyes can start to turn blue. You may not even realize that your skull has been fractured due to a head injury. So, a "black eye" that follows this pattern can be the first sign that something serious is happening. If you notice this, see a doctor immediately.
Things to remember in summary
It's really hard to feel blue around your eyes and get a "black eye." It's also painful. It can also make you feel anxious about your appearance. But most of the time, a "black eye" will heal on its own with time and a little care.
However, never assume that this is something minor. It is wise to have a doctor examine the area around the eyes to make sure that there is nothing more serious.
Also, if your eyes turn blue for no reason, you should see a doctor. It could be a sign of a serious condition that requires treatment. Take care of your eyes!
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