Black eye
A black eye is bruising and swelling around your eye, usually caused by a blow to the area, such as a punch or fall. It should get better within 2 to 3 weeks.
If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.
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On this page
This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.
A black eye is bruising and swelling around your eye, usually caused by a blow to the area, such as a punch or fall. It should get better within 2 to 3 weeks.
Things you can do yourself to ease a black eye
There are things you can do yourself to ease any pain or swelling from a black eye.
Do
- gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a cloth to the area around your eye for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time, and repeat regularly during the first 1 to 2 days
- take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, for any pain
- after the first 2 days, gently apply a warm (not hot) heat pack or cloth to the area around your eye regularly during the day
Don’t
- do not take aspirin unless prescribed by a doctor, as this can make the bruising worse
- do not press or rub the area around your eye
- do not put ice directly on your skin
See a GP if:
- a black eye does not go away within 3 weeks
Go to A&E if:
- you can see blood in your eye
- you have an irregularly shaped pupil (the black dot at the centre of the eye)
- you had a blow to the head and have bruising around both eyes
- you had a blow to the head and lost consciousness or have been sick (vomited)
- you have problems with your vision, such as double vision, loss of vision, seeing flashing light, halos or shadows, or pain when looking at a bright light
- you cannot move your eye
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
