Black Eye Treatment

If you suffer any type of eye/orbital trauma, an examination by an optometrist or eye doctor should be undertaken as soon as possible after the event.

Trauma which causes a black eye can in some cases fracture the eye socket bones.

Serious eye damage can result if untreated, so before anything get a medical eye examination.

Symptoms for minor black eyes include pain, swelling, discoloration, minor headache and difficulty in opening the affected eye due to swelling.

What is a black eye?

It is characterized by a purplish color or a bruise around the eyes which is a result of blood and other fluids collecting underneath the skin as well as swelling.

Bruising and swelling occur because the skin around the eye is made up of fat and is very loose making it ideal for fluid to accumulate.

Unless a black eye is caused by an underlying disease, it is easy to manage with a simple black eye treatment and does not usually cause severe or permanent damage to the eyes. But even if this is the case, a person with a black eye should immediately see a doctor to rule out eye damage especially if he or she is experiencing vision problems related to having a black eye.

Black eyes caused by allergies, surgery and trauma may last a few days and fade gradually. But there are simple and effective black eye treatment ideas to alleviate pain, to make the discoloration and swelling go away a bit faster.

Home Treatment for a Black Eye.

For treating a black eye, you will need something cold.

Applying something like a pack of frozen peas to a black eye helps in two ways:

Firstly it decreases fluid accumulation swelling and constricts the blood vessels, which consequently stops the bleeding under the skin. If you do not have any frozen vegetables you can make a simple crushed ice pack which will work just as well and save you money.

Do not worry about using a cold steak, despite what you may have seen or heard.

Apply the ice pack in intervals of 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off over the period of up to 24 hours following the black eye.

Do not press on the eye as this could actually cause bleeding, increased swelling and possible further injury.

Pain killers like ibuprofen can help alleviate the symptoms and reduce swelling.

It is also recommended you rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days.

Here’s a list of the most common and easy-to-do black eye treatments.

1. Grab an ice pack and place it gently on your black eye for at least 10 minutes. Cold compress helps alleviate pain and swelling. If an ice pack is an unavailable, improvise with frozen peas or frozen popcorn kernel. Repeat this treatment with 10-minute intervals as long as swelling is present.

2. Avoid pressing too hard on your black eye. This will only make it worse.

3. If your black eye is a result of trauma like a blow to the head, check for lacerations and use mild soap and water to clean the area to prevent infection.

4. If you’re experiencing pain or a minor headache in relation to your black eye, take an analgesic. In cases that pain relievers can cause heart complications, ask your doctor before taking any.

5. After 1 or 2 days, switch from cold to warm compress.

6. Avoid strenuous physical activities that can cause more damage to your already-injured eye. Wear goggles when necessary.

With these easy-to-do and budget-friendly ideas for black eye treatment, you’re sure to manage your black eye with less time and money.

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