A black eye
is a relatively common result of injury to the face or the head, caused when
blood and other fluids collect in the space around the eye; swelling and dark
discoloration result-hence, the name "black eye."
Most black
eyes are relatively minor injuries. Many heal in a few days, however, sometimes
they 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. Think of it as a bruise around the eye.
Like a
bruise, as a black eye heals, the swelling around the eye decreases, and the
bruise gradually fades.
- The skin around the eye is very loose,
with mostly fat underneath, making it an ideal site for fluid to
accumulate. The effects of gravity also help to swell this part of the
face. This is why many people wake up with puffy eyes in the morning.
- When there is an injury to the face,
the skin around the eye is one of the first places to swell. Depending on
the location and type of injury, one or both eyes may be affected.
The most common
cause of a black eye is a blow to the eye, forehead, or nose. 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.
- Surgical procedures to the face, such
as a facelift, jaw surgery, or nose surgery, can cause black eyes.
- A certain type of head injury,
called a basilar skull fracture, causes both eyes to swell and
blacken. This condition is typically described as "raccoon's
eyes."
- Other causes of swelling around the
eye include allergic reactions, insect bites, cellulitis (skin
infection around the eye), angioedema (a hereditary condition causing
swelling, usually around both eyes), and dental infections. However, these
conditions do not make the skin turn black and blue around the eye.
Nobody wants
to have a black eye. It destroys the look of the whole face. The pain
associated with a black eye is also unbearable. You can overcome this
pain and swelling by using the following remedies.
1. Ice
Pack
Apply an ice
pack around the eye. This will numb the nerves, and you won’t feel the pain for
some time. Repeat this remedy every hour.
3.
Oatmeal
Soak oatmeal
in warm water and gently massage around the eye for 10-15 minutes. This will
provide some relief in the pain. After the oatmeal massage, apply vitamin E
oil. This remedy takes 3 days to heal the black eye.
4. Witch
Hazel Pads
Place witch
hazel pads on the bruised eye. It will heal any kind of bruise in a couple of
days.
5. Hot
Water
Dab a cotton
ball in hot water and apply it on the bruised eye. This will reduce the
swelling from your eye.
6. Metal
Spoon
Take a metal
spoon and put it in the refrigerator. Take it out after a few hours and put the
back part of the spoon on the bruised eye. This will work like an ice pack.
7.
Pineapple
Eat pineapple or
drink the juice of it. This will also help in healing the black eye fast.
8. Papaya
Like
pineapple, papaya also helps in reducing the swelling and pain.
9. Arnica
Take the oil
of arnica and apply it on the black eye. You can also use any cream, which
contains arnica oil. This will cure the black eye really fast.
10.
Potato
Take a raw
potato and cut very thin slices. Put these slices in a refrigerator for like
half an hour and place it on the black eye.
11.
Cucumber
Cut thin
slices of chilled cucumber and put it on the affected eye. This will provide
help to the painful eye. This is a very good cure for the black eye.
12. Tea
Bags
Take a tea
bag and soak it in warm water. Then, place warm tea bag on the black eye.
Remember, tea bag should be warm when you place it on your eye. This will
reduce swelling and provide relief in the pain. This is one of the best
treatments for the black eye.
13.
Comfrey Roots
Make tea
using comfrey roots and soak a cotton ball in it. Place it on the black eye and
relax. Comfrey roots will soothe the nerves and the pain will be reduced. Or,
you can make a paste of comfrey roots and apply it on the affected eye.
14.
Popcorn
Take a
plastic bag and put unpopped popcorn in it. Put it in the refrigerator and
leave it for an hour or two. Then, place the chilled unpopped popcorn on the
affected eye. This will also provide relief.
15.
Orange
Eat an
orange or drink orange juice. Orange contains vitamin C, which will help to
prevent bruising.
Most cases
of a black eye can be cared at home, Seek medical care if the eye becomes
infected or does not heal within two weeks.