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Black Eyes: First Aid
By Matt Unangst, 28 Jan 19:45
Black eyes: we've all had them. And tried to hide them as best we could. There are some simple first aid steps you can take to reduce black eyes and make sure that you do not have a more serious problem.
A black eye is not much of a cause for concern as far as medical conditions go, but it is unsightly. No one wants to be seen walking around with a black eye, so here are some steps you can take to treat a black eye should you develop one.
Black eyes are caused by bleeding under the skin around the eye. Therefore, any treatment for black eyes is focused on reducing the swelling caused by this bleeding. You should place a cold pack or a cloth filled with ice on the area around your eye that is discolored. Do not press the ice on your eye itself. This treatment is most effective if applied immediately after you receive the blow that causes the black eye. Cold treatment should be continued periodically for 24 to 48 hours after suffering the injury.
Normal black eyes are not serious, but serious injuries and conditions can result from injuries to the areas around your eyes or to the eyes themselves. Hyphema, bleeding within your eye, is an extremely serious condition that can damage your cornea or give you glaucoma. Check your eyes for any signs of bleeding if you have a black eye. If there is bleeding, you should contact a doctor immediately. You should also consult a doctor if you have two black eyes, sometimes called “raccoon eyes,” if you have any vision problems, severe pain, or bleeding from your nose, in addition to your black eye.
Tags: black eye, first aid, hyphema, glaucoma, raccoon eyes, cornea, ice pack