An eye contusion is a bruise around the eye, commonly called a black eye. It may occur when a blow is sustained in or near the eye socket. If a bruise appears, it will usually do so within 24 hours of the injury.
After being struck in the eye or nose, blood leaks into the area surrounding the eye. |
| Source |
Causes
Risk Factors
- Participation in high impact sports such as basketball, football, hockey, and boxing
- Occupations that expose the eye to potential injury, such as manufacturing, construction, and athletics
- Violence
Symptoms
A black and blue or purple mark will appear following the injury. There may also be redness, swelling, and tenderness or pain. Once it begins to heal, the contusion may turn yellow.Diagnosis
Eye contusions are diagnosed visually. Healthcare providers assume that the eye has been struck in some way or another. Most people are able to self-diagnose a contusion, but a doctor may confirm the diagnosis.First-aid Treatment
It is important to apply first-aid treatment immediately upon receiving an eye injury.
- Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
- Immediately apply ice or a cold compress for 15 minutes to reduce swelling and minimize pain. Do not press on the eye itself. Repeat every 1 to 2 hours for the first 48 hours.
- If there is still tenderness after 48 hours, apply a warm compress every 1-2 hours.
- For pain, take acetaminophen. Do not take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen because these drugs can cause or increase bleeding.
Medical Treatment
While many eye injuries are fairly minor and will heal within two weeks with basic first-aid, there is always the risk of more serious consequences, so you should still see an eye doctor immediately, even if you have no symptoms. This is especially urgent if a blow to the eye causes blood to appear in your eye, loss or change in vision, double vision, inability to move the eye normally, or severe pain in your eyeball. Depending on the extent of your injury, your doctor may provide further medical treatment. For instance:- If the skin around your eye is cut, you may need stitches.
- If there was any damage to the eye itself, you may need antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection.
- Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to minimize inflammation.
- If there is suspicion of damage to the bones, such as a fracture, x-rays or other imaging may be performed
If you are diagnosed with an eye contusion, follow your doctor's instructions .
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of an eye contusion, take the following steps:- Wear protective eye covering like safety goggles whenever the eye is exposed to potential injury at work or play. The best type of goggles are those that are snug up against the skin so that no foreign objects can get underneath the goggle and into the eye.
- Avoid fighting.