Eye Bruise (Contusion)

A bruise (contusion) to the eye happens when small blood vessels break open and leak blood into the nearby area. An eye bruise is often caused by something hitting the eye or nose. You may have pain and swelling around the eye. The skin may also change color. It may be red at first and then darken. For this reason, an eye bruise is often called a black eye.

If needed, imaging tests, such as an X-ray, may be done to help rule out more serious problems.

Pain and swelling should improve in a few days. Bruising may take longer to go away.

• If you have been prescribed medicines for pain, take them as directed.
• To help reduce swelling and pain for the first day or two, apply an ice pack to the injured eye for up to 20 minutes. Do this as often as directed. You can make an ice pack by filling a plastic bag that seals at the top with ice cubes, and then wrapping it with a clean, thin towel. Never put an ice pack directly on the skin. Be careful not to put significant pressure on the area.

Because the injury was to your face or head, it's possible that you could have a mild brain injury called a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion can show up later. For this reason, you need to watch for concussion symptoms once you're home. These include:

• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Sensitivity to light or noise.
• Abnormal sleepiness or grogginess.
• Trouble falling asleep.
• Personality changes.
• Vision changes.
• Memory loss.
• Confusion.
• Trouble walking or being clumsy.
• Loss of consciousness (even for a short time).
• Inability to be awakened.

Call 911 if you have any concussion symptoms, as listed above, over the next hours or days.

Follow up with your doctor as directed. If imaging tests were done, they will be reviewed by a doctor. You'll be told the results and any new findings that may affect your treatment.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Pain, bruising, or swelling that worsens.
• Vision changes, such as seeing small dots or double vision.
• Loss of vision.
• Inability to move the eye.
• Bleeding on the eyeball surface.
• Sensitivity to light.