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.
Credits
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Current as of: July 31, 2024