A black eye can be a painful and sometimes embarrassing reminder of recent trauma. Clinically referred to as a periorbital hematoma, when the capillaries under the eye are broken, they release blood which collects under the skin and forms a bruise.
Like any bruise on the body, a black eye is normally accompanied by swelling and pain. The good news is, it will generally clear up on its own within a few weeks. But if you need to know how to get rid of a black eye quickly, read on. This article will look into the causes and symptoms of black eyes, let you know when to seek medical advice, and what you can do at home to help speed up recovery.
Causes
Most black eyes are the result of a direct impact injury to the eye or face. These injuries can happen for many reasons, from being hit by a ball to falling over or walking into a door. Depending on how the injury happens, either one or both eyes may be affected.
While being struck in the face is the most common cause of black eyes, they can also occur due to:
- Facial surgery like nose surgery or facelifts
- Skull fracture and other head injuries
- Cellulitis, a skin infection around the eye
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a black eye are pain, swelling, and of course bruising. After the initial injury, the area will turn red and start to swell. Pain may be persistent for a few hours but often subsides quickly.
Within a day or two, the bruise may develop a darker shade or turn yellow, green, or black, and the swelling should start to subside. Some blurry vision may also be experienced due to the swelling around the eye.
Depending on the severity of the injury, these symptoms will normally fade after a week or two.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Although black eyes aren’t generally a cause for concern, if you notice any of the below symptoms you should immediately seek medical advice:
- Double vision or ongoing blurry vision
- Inability to move the eye
- Blood inside the eye
- Loss of vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Signs of infection such as pus
- Blood or clear fluid from nose or ears
- Vomiting or seizures
- Persistent headache
- Any cuts to the eye itself
If you’ve taken a severe blow to the head or experience any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms could be an indication of a much more serious injury.
How to Get Rid of a Black Eye
Although some black eyes can have serious implications, the majority of these injuries can be treated simply at home. While it will clear up on its own, you can help speed up the healing process by following the below treatments.
Ice First
Apply ice to the injured eye as soon as possible. This will help reduce swelling and constrict the blood vessels around your eyes, slowing the bleeding underneath the skin.
If you don’t have access to an ice pack, use frozen vegetables or ice. To avoid burning the skin, wrap the frozen food or ice in a cloth or t-shirt. Unlike what you see in the movies, it’s not recommended to place steak or other raw food directly on your skin. While the cold may help the swelling, it can also spread bacteria which can lead to further complications.
Ice the eye for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for the first day, and then cut this down to 4 or 5 times on the second day. Be careful not to push too hard as this can cause further damage and discomfort.
Switch to Heat
After two days, the swelling should have subsided and the bruise will be formed. Switch to applying a heat pack to the area for 10 to 15 minutes. Heat encourages circulation and will help the blood vessels dilate, allowing the bruise to absorb into the skin more quickly.
Take Painkillers
Over-the-counter painkillers can provide sufficient relief to lessen the discomfort caused by a black eye. Avoid drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen as these can interfere with the clotting ability of the blood, and instead opt for acetaminophen (paracetamol).
Adjust Your Diet
The food we eat can have a huge impact on our health. If you’re suffering from a black eye, consider adjusting your diet to help speed up the healing process. Many foods contain enzymes and vitamins essential to the healing process, so try some of the below to help heal your black eye:
- Fruits and vegetables containing Vitamin C. Long known for its healing properties, Vitamin C helps produce collagen in the skin which plays a vital role in the healing process. Red peppers, oranges, kiwi fruit, and broccoli all contain high levels of Vitamin C.
- Pineapple and papaya. These fruits contain an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to reduce swelling and bruising. They also contain antioxidants that help accelerate the healing process.
Other Treatments
While ice, heat, and painkillers are the most common treatments for a black eye, there are a few other things you can do to help speed up your recovery:
- Arnica: available as a cream or topical ointment, arnica helps by reducing swelling and inflammation. A 2017 study found significantly less bruising after applying arnica for 7 days.
- Cucumber or tea bags: much like dark circles under the eyes, a black eye can benefit from applying slices of cucumber or tea bags to the eyes. Cucumbers are rich in Vitamin C which helps stimulate new cell growth, while the antioxidants found in tea have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Hard-boiled egg: boil an egg and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to touch, peel the egg and gently rub it on the black eye until the egg is cool. This has a similar effect to a warm compress and can help reduce swelling.
As with any injury, it’s also important to protect the area from any further damage and get plenty of rest.
Final Word
Most black eyes will heal by themselves within a few weeks, but as we’ve seen, there’s a lot you can do to help speed up the healing process. Now that you know how to get rid of a black eye, remember the best treatment is ice followed by heat, plus painkillers and rest.
Most people experience typical symptoms associated with a black eye, but if you have double vision, difficulty moving your eye, or a persistent headache, it’s recommended to consult a doctor.
References:
https://www.redorbit.com/cellulitis-symptoms-causes-and-treatment
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/daily-aspirin-therapy/art-20046797
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529416
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5367875
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