What Is a Black Eye?

A black eye is a rather common eye injury. The skin around the eye is very loose and trauma to the area can cause swelling and dark bruising in the tissue.

Contrary to its name, a black eye isn’t typically an injury to the eye itself. Many black eyes heal on their own in a few days.

But be aware …a black eye can be an indication of a more serious injury. If there is bleeding in your eye, it may be a hyphema which can affect your cornea and your vision. Increased pressure inside your eye can result in damage to the eye if not treated properly by your Indiana eye doctor.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, black eye symptoms may include:

• Pain around the eye
• Swelling around the eye, which can be mild at first, then increasing later (may make it difficult to open the eye)
• Discoloration (like a bruise) around the eye (may be red at first, then grow darker, progressing to purple, yellow, green or black)

It’s best to see your Indianapolis eye doctor so they can exam the bones in your face and around your eye to check for any signs of serious injury.

Don’t let an eye injury keep you out of the game!