Black eye
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This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2012) |
| Black eye | |
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| Classification and external resources | |
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| ICD-10 | S00.1 |
| ICD-9 | 921.0 |
A black eye, periorbital hematoma, or a shiner, is ecchymosis (bruising) around the eye commonly due to an injury to the face rather than eye injury. The name is given due to the color of bruising. The so-called black eye is caused by bleeding beneath the skin and around the eye. Sometimes, a black eye indicates a more extensive injury, even a skull fracture, particularly if the area around both eyes is bruised, or if there has been a prior head injury.
Although most black eye injuries aren't serious, bleeding within the eye, called a hyphema, is serious and can reduce vision and damage the cornea. In some cases, abnormally high pressure inside the eyeball (ocular hypertension) also can result.
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Presentation and prognosis [edit]
Despite the name, the eye itself is not affected. Blunt force or trauma to the eye socket results in burst capillaries and subsequent haemorrhaging (hematoma).[1] The fatty tissue along with the lack of muscle around the eye socket allows a potential space for blood accumulation. As this blood is reabsorbed, various pigments are released similar to a bruise lending itself to the extreme outward appearance.[1]
The dramatic appearance (discoloration purple black and blue and swelling) does not necessarily indicate a serious injury, and most black eyes resolve within a week.
Treatment [edit]
Unless there is actual trauma to the eye itself (see below), extensive medical attention is generally not needed.[1]
Applying an ice pack will keep down swelling and reduce internal bleeding by constricting the capillaries. Additionally, analgesic drugs (painkillers) can be administered to relieve pain.[1]
Associated conditions [edit]
Eye injury and head trauma may also coincide with a black eye. Some common signs of a more serious injury may include:
- Double vision
- Loss of sight and or fuzzy vision could occur
- Loss of consciousness
- Inability to move the eye or large swelling around the eye
- Blood or clear fluid from the nose or the ears
- Blood on the surface of the eye itself or cuts on the eye itself
- Persistent headache or migraine
References [edit]
- ^ a b c d "Black Eye". NHS Choices. NHS. 18 March 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
External links [edit]
- Black eye at eMedicine Dictionary
Media related to black eyes at Wikimedia Commons
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