What Exactly Is a Black Eye?

A black eye, also known as a periorbital hematoma, is usually not an injury of the actual eye (which is why it is called “periorbital”- around the eye). It typically occurs when there is an injury to the face or the eye socket which causes bleeding beneath the skin and bruising. The term, “black eye” comes from the dark coloring of the bruising that occurs underneath the skin around the eye.

When a blunt force hits the eye socket, this can cause capillaries in the area to burst, causing hemorrhaging, also known as a hematoma. This blood can accumulate in the eye socket and as it begins to be reabsorbed into the surrounding tissues, the colors of the bruising begin to change. That’s why you will often notice the coloring of the black eye to go from a dark purplish-red color to brownish and then yellow. 

Sometimes along with the external bruising, you might also notice a small amount of bleeding on the white surface of the eye, which is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This is when the tiny blood vessels on the white sclera are broken and leak blood. It’s generally harmless but sometimes looks scarier to the patient than the black eye does. This condition will also reabsorb on its own and is nothing to be concerned about. 

While most black eyes can look pretty serious due to the dramatic color, an uncomplicated black eye will typically heal within a week to ten days. If it doesn’t, there could be a more serious issue such as a bone fracture or an orbital blowout fracture.This could present with restricted eye movement, especially if looking up or down, and numbness of the cheek and/or upper lip on the same side as the black eye. The eye may even appear sunken in. Further, if there is bleeding within the actual eye (called a hyphema) or floaters or flashes in the vision, then it is definitely advisable to see your eye doctor as soon as possible. These could be signs of more serious damage such a corneal or retinal damage and can lead to vision loss. 

Treatment for a Black Eye

Usually, the best treatment for a black eye is to apply a cold compress (or even better, a bag of frozen vegetables, which is more flexible and can conform to the contours of the face) directly on the area. The cold will reduce swelling and constrict capillaries to reduce internal bleeding as well. Apply the cold for about 15-20 minutes every hour.  If there is pain, over the counter pain medications can help. 

If however, you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention:

• Blood on the surface of the eye or a visible incision on the eye
• Vision changes such as double vision, blurred vision, loss of vision or the appearance of floaters
• Loss of consciousness, dizziness or fainting
• Loss of eye movement
• Persistent headaches
• Blood or fluids coming from the ears or nose
• Vomiting
• Signs of infection such as excessive swelling, pus, redness or a fever
• Severe pain

In addition to blunt trauma, black eyes can be caused by sinus infections, nasal or eye surgery or other infections in the area such as the teeth infections or cellulitis (a serious infection that can occur around the eyes). A skull fracture can also cause both eyes to turn black, sometimes known as raccoon eyes. 

Unless you notice any severe symptoms you can rest assured that your black eye is a bruise just like anywhere else on the body and with a little care, rest and patience, it will clear up in no time. 

Got a Shiner!

Jun 26, 2017

A black eye, also known as a periorbital hematoma, is usually not an injury of the actual eye (which is why it is called “periorbital”- around the eye). It typically occurs when there is an injury to the face or the eye socket which causes bleeding beneath the skin and bruising. The term, “black eye” comes from the dark coloring of the bruising that occurs underneath the skin around the eye.

When a blunt force hits the eye socket, this can cause capillaries in the area to burst, causing hemorrhaging, also known as a hematoma. This blood can accumulate in the eye socket and as it begins to be reabsorbed into the surrounding tissues, the colors of the bruising begin to change. That’s why you will often notice the coloring of the black eye to go from a dark purplish-red color to brownish and then yellow.

Sometimes along with the external bruising, you might also notice a small amount of bleeding on the white surface of the eye, which is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This is when the tiny blood vessels on the white sclera are broken and leak blood. It’s generally harmless but sometimes looks scarier to the patient than the black eye does. This condition will also reabsorb on its own and is nothing to be concerned about.

While most black eyes can look pretty serious due to the dramatic color, an uncomplicated black eye will typically heal within a week to ten days. If it doesn’t, there could be a more serious issue such as a bone fracture or an orbital blowout fracture.This could present with restricted eye movement, especially if looking up or down, and numbness of the cheek and/or upper lip on the same side as the black eye. The eye may even appear sunken in. Further, if there is bleeding within the actual eye (called a hyphema) or floaters or flashes in the vision, then it is definitely advisable to see your eye doctor as soon as possible. These could be signs of more serious damage such a corneal or retinal damage and can lead to vision loss.

Treatment for a Black Eye

Usually, the best treatment for a black eye is to apply a cold compress (or even better, a bag of frozen vegetables, which is more flexible and can conform to the contours of the face) directly on the area. The cold will reduce swelling and constrict capillaries to reduce internal bleeding as well. Apply the cold for about 15-20 minutes every hour. If there is pain, over the counter pain medications can help.

If however, you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention:

– Blood on the surface of the eye or a visible incision on the eye
– Vision changes such as double vision, blurred vision, loss of vision or the appearance of floaters
– Loss of consciousness, dizziness or fainting
– Loss of eye movement
– Persistent headaches
– Blood or fluids coming from the ears or nose
– Vomiting
– Signs of infection such as excessive swelling, pus, redness or a fever
– Severe pain

In addition to blunt trauma, black eyes can be caused by sinus infections, nasal or eye surgery or other infections in the area such as the teeth infections or cellulitis (a serious infection that can occur around the eyes). A skull fracture can also cause both eyes to turn black, sometimes known as raccoon eyes.

Unless you notice any severe symptoms you can rest assured that your black eye is a bruise just like anywhere else on the body and with a little care, rest and patience, it will clear up in no time.

The new school year is coming up fast, and parents and students are getting ready to embark on new adventures and experiences. But this is also a reminder to parents that good eyesight is possibly the most important school supply your child may not have. A good education for children doesn’t just mean good schools, good teachers and good friends. Good vision is just as important. VisionCare Consultants in St. Louis, MO explains, “Your child’s eyes are his/her gateway into the world of learning. When your child’s vision is not functioning properly, learning and participation in recreational activities will suffer. Children are not likely to recognize vision problems or report them, and it is therefore the responsibility of parents and teachers to recognize signs of visual problems in their children.”

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If you wear contact lenses, you probably know the hygiene routine you should follow when removing your lenses:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them on a clean, lint free cloth.
2. Remove the lens from your eye and clean the lens immediately (if you wear multi-use lenses). Gently rinse it with the solution recommended by your optometrist, and scrub it clean from edge to edge with solution. Do not wait until morning to rub the lenses, as the debris gets stuck on the lens and delayed cleaning will not be as effective.
3. Place the contact lens in a contact lens storage case that’s filled with fresh, clean disinfecting or multi-purpose solution and close the lid. If you wear daily disposables, throw them away after use.

Even if you know these guidelines, if you’re honest with yourself, how many times have you NOT followed this optometrist prescribed routine and taken short cuts in your contact lens hygiene such as:

• Cleaning your contacts with saliva or water
• Storing lenses in liquids other than proper multi-purpose or disinfecting solution. (Saline is NOT a disinfectant.)
• Not following the proper wearing schedule (wearing dailies for more than one day, monthlies longer than a month, sleeping in daytime lenses, etc.)
• Sleeping or swimming in your lenses

In fact, a vision scientist at the University of Texas surveyed 443 contact lens patients and found that less than one percent cared for their lenses properly.

Here are some of the most common mistakes made in caring for contact lenses and why it’s important to change your habits now.

The Mistake: Storing or washing contact lenses in tap water.The Risk: Although this seems harmless, tap water can cause serious damage to your eyes. Since regular tap water is not sterile, it can cause infections, like Acanthomaeoba. Homemade saline has also been known to lead to certain fungal eye infections.The Solution: Never wash or store lenses in tap water or any liquid other than contact lens solution. Even more so try to avoid swimming or showering with your lenses in to avoid contact with tap or chlorine filled water.

The Mistake: Using saliva to wash lenses.The Risk: Saliva is full of bacteria that belong in your mouth and not in your eyes. If you have a cut in your eye, the bacteria could get trapped under your lens and cause an infection.The Solution: Always carry a small container of lens solution or artificial tears. If your lenses are bothering you, either use proper solution or remove them until you are able to treat them properly.

The Mistake: Reuse cleaning solution or topping off your lens storage case.The Risk:Reusing solution is like begging for an eye infection. This is because all the debris and bacteria that are in your eyes and are on your contact lenses come off into the solution. So if you recycle solution, you are putting all that bacteria right back into your eye. If you have any microscopic breaks in your cornea, the bacteria can then infect your cornea.The Solution: Use fresh solution every time you store your contact lenses. Also be sure to empty out ALL the remaining solution from your storage case from the previous day before adding new solution to it. If this is too much to remember or do, try using daily disposable lenses.

The Mistake: Not adhering to the schedule for the prescribed lenses. (Note: Certain extended wear lenses are approved for 30 days wear, but proper fit is essential for success even if the lens allows high oxygen permeability.)The Risk: After the approved time for contact lens use, today’s thin contact lenses do not retain their shape and structure. If you re-wear lenses that are meant to be used for a specified time period, mucus and bacteria can build up because cleaning solutions do not protect the lenses for longer than the approved wearing time. Between the lens changes and the tendency for contamination, you increase the risk of eye irritation and infection.The solution: Follow the recommended schedule you are given for wearing your lenses.

The Mistake: Wearing contact lenses when your vision is blurry or your eyes hurt a little. The Risk: When in doubt, take them out! If your lenses cause you any discomfort, or your eyes look a bit red, listen to your body rather than suffering through the discomfort that can potentially develop into an infection.The Solution: If your eyes are bothering you, first try applying lubricating drops made for contact lens wearers. If that doesn’t help, take the lenses out and check them to make sure they are not damaged or dirty. If it does not look good to you, do not use it.

Improper contact lens hygiene can lead to, red eyes, blurry vision, irritation, and in the most severe cases serious infections and corneal abrasion, which can lead to blindness. So the bottom line is: listen to your optometrists’ instructions and keep your lenses clean!

In order to educate corporations and their employees about the relevance of eye health, and to provide advice on how to prevent vision-impairing eye accidents, Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has designated the month of March as Workplace Vision Wellness Month.

Every day, employees suffer from workplace related eye injuries that need the attention of an eye care professional or doctor. Safety experts and doctors say that the two main reasons that people sustain eye injuries is either because they don’t protect their eyes or they are using the wrong type of eye protection.

Building, manufacturing, mining, carpentry, auto repair, electrical work, plumbing, welding and general maintenance are all high risk occupations for eye injuries.

Making Work a Safe Site

Here are four steps you can take to avoid eye accidents at work:

• Know the eye hazards found at your workplace.
• Limit the possibility of danger before even beginning work by asking for machine shields, work screens or other safety devices.
• Request protective glasses that fit well and give enough coverage for what you are doing. Your optometrist will be able to assist in determining the best safety eyewear for your particular situation.
• Make sure to keep your safety eyewear in good condition.

Eye Safety with Screens

Working with computers or using mobile and hand held devices like phones or readers can also be dangerous for your sight. Due to the prevailing use of computers in every day life, these dangers are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Here are some suggestions to avoid eye strain and visual discomfort when using hand held devices or working on a computer:

Try to maintain the 20-20-20 rule which will allow your eyes periodic rest. At every 20 minute interval look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If using a hand-held device, make the font bigger so you’ll be able to use it at a distance better for your eyes.

Also maintain the light intensity of your monitor to a resolution that is not too bright or too dim and position your screen right under eye level to be less of a strain on your eyes. You may also want to speak to your eye doctor about computer glasses.

If you think that you may be in danger of any eye or vision damage due to your workplace don’t delay! Give us a call to discuss the hazards and solutions for a lifetime of eye and vision health!

This month, Prevent Blindness America is focusing on Women’s Eye Health and Safety.

Women go through many changes during their lifetime. Each change could affect her vision differently. Eye disease in women is increasingly common, especially in aging women. Actually, studies show that the majority of women going through middle age experience some type of visual impairment, and risk developing conditions such as dry eyes, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. It’s worth noting that the chance of women being diagnosed with vision loss has become more common because of women’s growing lifespan.

As a woman, an initial step you can take to maintain healthy sight is to schedule a periodic eye exam. Be sure to go have a comprehensive eye exam before you hit 40, and that you don’t forget to adhere to the care your eye care professional suggests. Also, be aware of your family medical history, as your genetics are a key part of comprehending, diagnosing and stopping eye conditions.

In addition, eat a healthy, varied diet and don’t forget to include foods containing zinc, omega-3 fats and beta carotene, which all help protect against eyesight loss from eye disease. It’s recommended that you also buy vitamin A, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and vitamin C tablets, as they are all good starting points to managing top-notch eye care.

For smokers, make a commitment to stop, because even second-hand smoke can raise the danger of eye disease and is a common cause of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as cataracts. Ultraviolet rays, which can also cause the development of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, are very dangerous to your eyesight. When you go outside, and during the summer AND winter, don’t forget to wear complete UV blocking sunglasses as well as a sun hat to shield your eyes from harsh rays.

Changes in hormone levels, such as those that take place due to pregnancy and menopause, can also slightly change your vision. Sometimes, these changes can even make contacts ineffective or slightly painful. If you’re pregnant, you might want to reduce contact lens wearing time and adjust your eyeglass prescription as needed. It’s recommended to make an appointment with your eye care professional during your pregnancy to discuss any eyesight or vision shifts you may be experiencing.

It is also important to protect your eyes from dangers at home, like cleaning supplies. Check that household chemicals, including cleaners, paints and strong detergents are kept safely and are out of reach of small children. Clean your hands well after handling all chemicals and invest in eye protection if employing the use of strong chemicals. Wear safety goggles when repairing things around the house, especially when working with potentially dangerous objects or tools.

If used irresponsibly, cosmetics can also be a safety risk for your eyes. Firstly, you should never use anyone else’s cosmetics. Avoid using old eye shadow, mascara or eyeliner and dispose of anything that’s been open for more than about four months, particularly cosmetics that are aqueous. Look out for allergic reactions and stop use right away if you spot redness, itchiness or puffiness in or around the eyes. Be aware also that you can actually develop allergic reactions to make up you’ve been using for years. And of course, be sure to avoid actual contact with the eye when applying eyeliners, shadows and mascara.

Women need to be educated about the dangers and options when it comes to looking after your vision. And also, it can’t hurt to inform the other women you know, like your daughters and friends, about how to protect their eye health.