Eye Injury: First Aid for a Black Eye

A black eye is bruising around the eye from a blow to the face or eye area. Most black eyes are treated with ice and by elevating the head. Depending on the size of the bruise, it should fade over the next few weeks. As a black eye heals, it may turn color from purple to blue to green or yellow.

• Check the eyeball. Be sure to look at the eyeball for possible injury.
• Use ice or cold. Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
  • 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 as much as possible to help reduce swelling.
• Use heat. After the swelling is gone, warm compresses may relieve pain.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.