Eye Injury: First Aid for a Black Eye

Overview

A black eye is a type of bruise. Simple bruises are treated with ice and by elevating the head. The bruise should be gone in 2 to 3 weeks.

• Inspect the eyeball.

  Be sure to look at the eyeball for possible injury.

• Use ice or cold.

  Apply ice or cold packs for 15 minutes 3 or 4 times a day during the first 48 hours to help reduce swelling. Place a cloth between the ice and the skin. The sooner you apply a cold pack, the less swelling will occur.

  • Do not use chemical cooling packs. If the pack leaks, the chemicals could cause more eye damage.
  • Do not use a raw piece of meat on a black eye.
• Keep the head raised to help reduce swelling.
• Follow with warmth.

  After the swelling is gone, warm compresses may relieve pain.

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

  If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.