Eye injury from a hit (black eye, bleeding inside the eye, or broken eye socket)

Overview

Blood pooling in the front of the eye (hyphema) can raise eye pressure.

A broken eye socket can cause double vision or numb cheek.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Black eye after a hit
• Hit in the eye

Less common

• Swelling
• Blurry vision

Look up a symptom: Blurry vision

When to get medical care

Causes

Blunt injury.

Who is more likely to get it

• Sports
• Fights

Possible complications

• Glaucoma

Diagnosis

A clinician checks vision and eye movement.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• CT scan: For a broken bone.

Treatment

Cold and rest.

Self-care

• Cold pack 15 minutes at a time, no pressure on the eye
• Keep head raised
• Don't blow your nose if a break is possible

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To protect eyes:

• Sports goggles

Which doctor treats this

• Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
• They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Back to school, work, or sports

• School or desk work is often OK within days. Jobs with lifting may need light duty for a while.
• Go back to sports only when your doctor says it's OK and you have full motion and strength without pain.

Outlook

Most heal.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Eye injury from a hit (black eye, bleeding inside the eye, or broken eye socket)