If you're suffering from a black eye, there are a few things you can do immediately. Use a cold compress. Apply the cold compress for 15 minutes around your eyes. Repeat this procedure every hour for the first 24 hours. A warm compress can also be used. This will increase blood circulation to the eye area, and help with healing.
Bruising around the eye
A common injury is swelling around the eyes. The bruising will appear as a reddish-brown color that gradually becomes darker. Sometimes it can turn brown, green or purple. It can even last for a few days. You should be careful not to overexert yourself until the eye starts to heal. You should also apply warm compresses for 20 minutes at a time to the area. You should not do any hazardous activities until the bruising has faded completely.
Another simple remedy to help reduce swelling and pain is an ice pack. Also, a frozen bag of fruits and vegetables can be used. These natural remedies work well for reducing swelling, and also reducing pain. But you should avoid putting ice directly on the eyeball because it may leak chemicals into the eye. Tylenol or another over-the-counter pain medication can be used to alleviate the discomfort. Aspirin is not recommended as it can increase the swelling.
NSAIDs
Black eye pain is often treated with NSAIDs. These drugs are used to reduce inflammation, pain, and bleeding. If bleeding occurs in the eye, you should take acetaminophen instead of NSAIDs. Black eye treatment with Aspirin is also possible, but it has a higher risk of liver disease.
To reduce swelling and pain, you can also use acetaminophen/ibuprofen. Cold and raw meat can lead to infection so your doctor may recommend that you avoid them. Warm compresses can be applied several times daily to heal the area.
CAM treatments
Although CAM treatments to treat black eye are not supported by science, some users report some positive effects. Side effects of CAM treatments should not be ignored. Before using CAM treatments, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. Arnica, which is believed to be effective in treating dark eyes, has been subject to limited research and results are inconsistent.
Black eyes can be difficult to treat. If the bleeding is severe or excessive, consult your doctor immediately. Ice should be applied to the eye in the interim, but you must not apply pressure. You should avoid using makeup on eyes that are reddening or swelling. It will irritate and increase the redness.
After a black eye, when should you see a doctor?
Black eyes can be self-healing. However, it is important to see a doctor if you need proper care. Your doctor will be able to prescribe pain medication, and may even apply ice if needed. They can also perform X-rays of the head and face to determine if there are any fractures. If the injury is more severe, your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist or a neurosurgeon.
Apply ice to the eye and a cotton cloth to the affected areas if the blackeye is not serious. A commercial ice pack is an excellent option for this, although you can also use a frozen bag of vegetables. If the eye is still bleeding, you should keep it as cold as possible, as this will help reduce swelling and pain. Avoid activities that could further damage the eye. To relieve pain, you can use pain relief medications such as acetaminophen. You should not poke or press your eyes as this could cause cornea damage.