Black Eye

When to go to the emergency room (ER)

In many cases, a black eye is a minor injury. It can be treated at home with cold packs and pain medicine. But get medical care right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• A change or loss of vision

• Trouble moving your eye up and down or side to side 

• Blood inside your eye, or bleeding from your nose or ears

• Fluid leaking from your eye

What to expect in the ER

While in the ER, you may expect the following: 

• Your injury will be examined.

• Your vision, the way your eye moves, and the bones around your eye will be checked.

• You may have a fluorescein stain test. This uses dye and a special light to check for damage to the surface of your eye.

• An X-ray or other tests may be done.

• Depending on the results of your exam and tests, you may be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).

Follow-up

While your eye is healing, call your healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Swelling that doesn't improve after a few days

• Increased or severe pain

• Changes in your vision

• Warmth, redness, or pus near the bruise

• Sensitivity to light

Wrap a thin towel around a cold pack before applying it to your eye.

To reduce pain and swelling from a black eye

• Apply ice packs every 20 minutes while you're awake for the first 24 hours. You can make your own ice pack by putting ice cubes in a bag that seals and wrapping the bag in a thin towel. Don’t put the ice directly on your skin. Ice can damage the skin.

• Use warm compresses every 20 minutes while you're awake for the next 24 hours.