What causes a black eye and how do I recover?

Everything you need to know about recovering from a bruised eye, also known as a “black eye”, or a “shiner”.

A black eye (a black and blue bruise around the eye) is caused by broken blood vessels and bleeding underneath the skin as the result of a fall or trauma. On rare occasions, black eyes are sustained by more serious injury, like a skull or facial fracture.

In most cases, a black eye is harmless and you’ll be back to normal in a few days, or within a maximum of two weeks.

• Bloodshot eyes (red or inflamed eyes)
• Dark circles around the eyes, which may extend across the face
• Swelling
• Pain
• Discolouration gradually improving from black to purple and then green to yellow
• The bruising may spread out over the cheeks during the healing process

• Start by cleaning the wound or scrape (if there is one)
• Apply ice or a cold compress to the injured eye as soon as possible. This should be repeated at frequent intervals (every 15 minutes) for at least the first 24 hours (longer if necessary). Always place a cloth between your skin and the ice
• Next, begin to alternate the ice pack with warm compresses. Hot and cold therapy relieves pain, and stimulates circulation to reduce the bruise
• Avoid exposure to bright light by wearing sunglasses
• Do not rub your eye
• Do not blow your nose
• Take acetaminophen for pain (do not take anticoagulants)

It’s recommended to consult a physician or an ophthalmologist if you experience any of the following:

• Intense and persistent pain
• A slit in the eyelid
• Blurred or reduced vision
• Swelling of the eyeball or difficulty moving it
• No improvement after two weeks
• The black eye appeared spontaneously (without injury)

There are no restrictions when it comes to makeup. Nevertheless, you must keep it clean to avoid infection and be careful not to apply too much pressure on the sensitive skin around the eye.

A black eye can be traumatic and difficult to cover up. Despite its dramatic appearance, most black eyes are harmless, and as long you take a little extra care, everything will be back to normal in a matter of days.