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Black eye

Author:NHS.uk
Written on:2020-10-26
Go to Health A-Z:Click A-Z



Black eye

  • Black eye


  • A black eye is bruising and swelling around your eye, usually caused by a blow to the area, such as a punch or fall. It should get better within 2 to 3 weeks.



      Do



    • gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth) to the area around your eye for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time, and repeat regularly during the first 1 to 2 days


    • take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain


    • after the first 2 days, gently apply a warm (not hot) heat pack or cloth to the area around your eye regularly during the day




      Don't



    • do not take aspirin, unless prescribed by a doctor, as this can make the bruising worse


    • do not press or rub the area around your eye


    • do not put ice directly on your skin





    Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:


    • you have severe pain or swelling

    • you have a headache that does not go away, or blurry vision

    • the area around your eye is warm or leaking pus

    • your temperature is very high, or you feel hot and shivery

    • youre taking blood-thinning medicine (such as warfarin)

    • you have a bleeding disorder (such as haemophilia)



    See a GP if:


    • the black eye does not go away within 3 weeks



    Go to A&E if:


    • theres blood visible in your eye

    • you have an irregularly shaped pupil (the black dot at the centre of the eye)

    • you had a blow to the head and have bruising around both eyes

    • you have problems with your vision, such as double vision, loss of vision, seeing flashing light, halos or shadows, or pain when looking at a bright light

    • you cannot move your eye



    Find an A&E department



    NHS.uk


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