A black eye is a phrase used to describe bruises around the eyes caused by contusions to the face and head. Blood and other fluids are accumulated in the space around the eye, causing swelling and bruising of the tissue.
A black eye can be a sign of more serious trauma. For example, symptoms of black eye can include:
- Pain around the eye
- Swelling of the eye
- Change of color (such as purple, yellow, blue) around the eyes. The skin can be red in the beginning and then turn purple, yellow, green or black.
- Blurred vision
Symptoms of more serious head trauma require medical help and can include the following:
- Double vision
- Vision loss
- Blood on the surface of the eye
- Inability to move the eye
- Strong headache
- Nausea/loss of consciousness
- Blood or fluid from the ears or nose