Black Eye

A black eye is bruising and swelling around the eye, usually after a blow to the face. A black eye often looks worse than it is and heals on its own. A hard hit can also injure the eye or the bones around it.

What Is It

Blood collects in the soft tissue around the eye after an injury, causing the dark color. Sports, falls, and accidents are common causes. Bruising around both eyes after a head injury can be a sign of a more serious injury.

Symptoms

Bruising around the eye that darkens over a day or two
Swelling of the eyelids
Pain or tenderness around the eye
Trouble opening the eye
A red spot on the white of the eye
Bruising that turns green and yellow as it heals

Not sure how serious it is? Headache, confusion, or vomiting after the blow may be a concussion. Eye pain and a gritty feeling may be a corneal abrasion.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider checks your vision, eye movement, and the bones around the eye. An X-ray may be needed when a fracture is possible. Injuries to the eye itself may need an eye doctor.

At home:

Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth for 15 minutes at a time for the first 2 days
Switch to warm compresses after 2 days
Sleep with your head raised
Use over the counter pain relievers as directed

Most black eyes heal within 1 to 2 weeks.

When to Get Care for a Black Eye

Watch at Home

Mild bruising and swelling with normal vision
No headache or other injury

Come to Urgent Care Today

Swelling that keeps you from opening the eye
Pain when moving the eye
Numbness of the cheek or upper lip
A black eye after a fall in an older adult

Go to the Emergency Department

Vision loss, double vision, or blood in the colored part of the eye
Bruising around both eyes after a head injury
Loss of consciousness, confusion, or repeated vomiting
Clear fluid from the nose after the injury

FAQ

How do you get rid of a black eye fast?

To help a black eye heal faster, use a cold pack for 15 minutes at a time for the first 2 days, then switch to warm compresses. Keep your head raised.

How long does a black eye last?

A black eye usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks. The bruise changes from dark purple to green and yellow as it heals.

When should I worry about a black eye?

Worry about a black eye that comes with vision changes, pain when moving the eye, numbness of the cheek, or signs of a head injury.

Can a black eye cause a fracture?

A hard blow that causes a black eye can also break the bones around the eye. Numbness, double vision, or pain when looking up should be checked.

Can urgent care treat a black eye?

Yes, urgent care can check a black eye. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can check your vision and eye movement, and X-ray is available on site. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is a black eye an emergency?

A black eye is an emergency with vision loss, double vision, blood in the eye, bruising around both eyes after a head injury, or confusion.

Last reviewed October 2026