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First aid for a black eye

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content provided by Healthwise

A black eye is a type of bruise. Simple bruises are treated with ice and by elevating the head. The bruise should be gone in 2 to 3 weeks.

  • Apply ice or cold packs for 15 minutes 3 or 4 times a day during the first 48 hours to help reduce swelling. Place a cloth between the ice and the skin. The sooner you apply a cold pack, the less swelling will occur.
  • 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 to help reduce swelling.
  • Be sure to look at the eyeball for possible injury.
  • After the swelling is gone, warm compresses may relieve pain.
Medicine you can buy without a prescription
Try an over-the-counter medicine to help treat your fever or pain:
Safety tips
Be sure to follow these safety tips when you use an over-the-counter medicine:
  • Carefully read and follow all directions on the medicine bottle and box.
  • Do not use more than the recommended dose.
  • Do not take a medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
  • If you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before you take it.
  • If you are or could be pregnant, call your doctor before you take any medicine.
  • Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless your doctor tells you to.
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Last Updated: December 6, 2007
Author:
Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Medical Review:
William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine

Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology


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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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