About Eye, Black (Black Eye)
Learn about the disease, illness and/or condition Eye, Black (Black Eye) including: symptoms, causes, treatments, contraindications and conditions at ClusterMed.info.
Eye, Black (Black Eye)
Eye, Black (Black Eye) |
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Eye, Black (Black Eye) InformationBlack eye facts
Black eye introductionA black eye often results from injury to the face or the head, and is caused when blood and other fluids collect in the space around the eye. Swelling and dark discoloration result in a "black eye" â sometimes called a "shiner." Most black eyes are relatively minor injuries. Many heal on their own in a few days, but they may signify a more serious injury. Despite the name, "black eye," the eye itself is not usually injured. The tissues around the eye may be significantly discolored and swollen without any injury to the eye itself, like a bruise (ecchymosis) around the eye. The skin around the eye is very loose, with mostly fat underneath it and fluid accumulates easily in this area. The skin around the eye is one of the first places to swell when the facial area is injured. Depending on the location and type of injury, one or both eyes may be affected. Injuries to the eyebrow, nose, and forehead area often result in black eyes because gravity pulls the blood and inflammatory fluid into the soft tissues under and around the eyes. As a black eye heals, the swelling around the eye decreases, and the bruise gradually fades away. The bruising will usually start out a very dark purple, and as it fades, it may change to light purple, then greenish, then yellow before disappearing. How can I prevent a black eye?Black eye injury can be avoided with basic injury prevention.
How is a black eye diagnosed?FFor most black eyes, a doctor will perform a physical exam and will ask about the injury and look for any associated injuries or symptoms. The physician will shine a light into the patient's eyes to look at the pupils and inside the eye itself for any injury, and to check for foreign bodies or abrasions on the eye. They will test the motion of the patient's eye (following the doctor's finger with his/her eyes), and examine the facial bones around the eye. Depending on what is found, the doctor may perform additional testing. An X-ray or a CT scan may be performed if the doctor suspects a fracture to the bones of the face or around the eye (the orbit) or that something is inside the eye. If there are any special concerns, the doctor may refer the patient to a specialist, such as an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery), for follow-up care. What are the complications of black eye?Black eye in itself usually is a minor condition that resolves on its own. Severe injuries, especially forceful blunt trauma to the eye area may result in complications. Traumatic uveitis and iritis(iritis is a type of uveitis) results from blunt trauma to the eye. A black eye may be the first sign of this condition. Iritis generally affects only one eye. Signs and symptoms of uveitis (and iritis) may include:
What are the signs and symptoms of a black eye?Edema (swelling) and pain are the most common signs and symptoms of a black eye, and may be accompanied by discoloration caused by bruising. Initially, the swelling and discoloration may be mild. The area around the eye often starts off slightly reddened, and then progresses to a darker shade and swelling increases. Some blurry vision or difficulty opening the eye may occur, but more serious visual problems are less common. Over the course of a few days, the area becomes lighter and the swelling decreases. Signs of a more serious injury are double vision, loss of sight, or inability to move the eye. Loss of consciousness, blood or clear fluid coming out of the nose or the ears, blood on the surface of the eye itself, or persistent headache can also indicate a severe injury. What causes a black eye?The most common cause of a black eye is a blow to the eye, nose, or forehead. Depending on where the blow lands, one or both eyes may be affected. A blow to the nose often causes both eyes to swell because the swelling from the nasal injury causes fluid to collect in the loose tissues of the eyelids. Other causes of black eye include:
What is the treatment for a black eye?Home remedies Home remedies for black eye include rest and ice applied early after the injury help to decrease swelling and pain. Ice helps decrease swelling by constricting blood vessels, by decreasing fluid accumulation, and by cooling and numbing the area.
When should I call the doctor for a black eye?Most black eyes are minor injuries that heal on their own in a few days with ice and OTC pain medications. Depending on the mechanism of injury and accompanying symptoms, an ophthalmologist might have to examine the injured eye to make sure that no significant injury to the eye has occurred. Call a doctor if the patient:
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