Answer:

Explanation:

Black eyes are usually the result of an accident in which an object strikes the area surrounding the eyes.

These accidents occur for countless reasons, from playing sports to simply walking into something.

Other common causes include cosmetic eye surgery, sinus infections and nasal surgery. Even dental work and tooth infections can sometimes cause a black eye.

A serious condition that can accompany a black eye is bleeding inside the eye, in the space between the back side of the cornea and the front of the IRIS. This is called a hyphema. Hyphemas are medical emergencies because they can cause rapid increase eye pressure and vision loss from glaucoma if left untreated.

Another condition often ACCOMPANYING a black eye is a bright red appearance to the "white" of they eye (sclera). This is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Subconjunctival hemorrhages often look scary, but they usually are not serious and typically RESOLVE without treatment within a couple weeks.

Black eye treatment

In most cases, a black eye is like any other bruise and is not a cause for extreme concern.

However, it is always important to have an eye doctor examine a black eye before trying to treat it on your own.

To gauge the severity of a black eye, look for the following symptoms, and if any of them are present, seek immediate medical attention:

Blood inside the eye (hyphema)

Blood flow from the ears or nose

Dizziness, fainting or loss of consciousness

Changes in vision, including blurry vision, double vision or loss of vision

Appearance of flashes or floaters

Vomiting

Inability to move the eye

Behavioral changes or lethargy

Severe pain

Bruising around both eyes

Persistent headache

Signs of infection, such as warmth, REDNESS, pus, or fever

Excessive swelling or swelling that is not attributable to an injury

To care for minor black eyes at home, apply a cold compress as soon as possible following the injury. A bag of frozen peas works better than ice cubes, because it conforms more easily to the face.

Another option is to chill a metal spoon in the refrigerator, then gently apply the back of the spoon to different parts of the bruised area.

Never apply raw meat on a black eye, since this can significantly increase the risk of infection.

Cold compresses can be applied for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time and can be reapplied every hour. This will help constrict blood vessels and limit the amount of swelling.

For minor pain, over-the-counter analgesics, such as Tylenol, may help. (Avoid aspirin, which is a blood thinner and therefore might make your black eye look worse.)

For a serious black eye, your eye doctor may have additional treatment recommendations.