How Can You Heal a Black Eye Fast?
Getting a black eye can be uncomfortable, and while it’s often a minor injury, most people want to know how to get rid of a black eye fast. A black eye, medically known as ecchymosis, forms when blood vessels around the eye break due to impact.1
With proper self-care and a few key remedies, you can ease the healing process and improve your appearance faster. Here’s what you need to know about managing a black eye and when to seek medical help.
Key Points
- A black eye is caused by impact to the area around the eye, which breaks tiny blood vessels and leads to bruising and discoloration.1
- Applying a cold compress to the affected eye every hour and keeping your head elevated can limit bruising and swelling.1
- Seek medical help if you have a black eye and double vision, intense pain, or head injury symptoms.1
What Causes a Black Eye?
A black eye typically results from trauma to the eye area, such as a blow to the face, a fall, or a sports injury. When the sensitive skin around the eye is impacted, tiny blood vessels under the skin break. The blood leaks and pools under the surface creating the classic blue, purple, or black color that gives a black eye its name.1
Along with the bruising, you may have uncomfortable swelling because it’s part of the body’s natural response to protect the injured area. Most black eyes are mild and heal on their own, but sometimes the injury can be more serious. In severe cases, trauma to the face or head can cause fractures around the eye socket or damage parts of the eye itself, which may affect vision or even lead to vision loss.2
Initial First Aid for a Black Eye
When you first notice a black eye forming, follow these simple first-aid steps to help reduce swelling and prevent further injury. These methods may help you get rid of a black eye faster:
- Cold compress: Gently apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the affected area immediately to slow blood flow and reduce swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth or use a CorneaCare cool compress to avoid further damaging the skin. Use a cold pack for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for the first 24 to 48 hours.1
- Elevate your head: Keep your head elevated while resting if possible. Gravity helps drain excess fluid away from the affected area which minimizes puffiness.1
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen: If needed, these over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can reduce pain and inflammation around the eye.
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Home Remedies to Speed Up the Healing Process
Here are a few home remedies to try – and one to avoid – to boost healing and help the black eye fade more quickly:
- Warm compress: Switch to a warm compress after the initial 48 hours.3 This can help break down the blood cells that cause discoloration and promote better circulation in the eye area, allowing for faster healing. For a convenient option, try CorneaCare self-heating warm compresses.
- Vitamin C: Known for its role in collagen production and skin health, vitamin C can be beneficial. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, may help strengthen blood vessels and speed up recovery.3
- Arnica: This herbal remedy reduces bruising and swelling when applied to the skin. Look for arnica cream or gel and apply it to the bruised area a few times daily, being careful to avoid the eyeball itself.3
- Avoid raw meat: Despite popular belief, raw meat has no healing benefits and won’t help you get rid of a black eye fast. It can make things worse by introducing bacteria to the skin and increasing the risk of infection.1,2 Stick to safer, proven methods like cold and warm compresses.
When a Black Eye Signals a More Serious Injury
In some cases, a black eye can be part of a more extensive injury to the face or head, such as a concussion. Conditions that may require immediate medical attention include:
- Hematoma or swelling around both eyes: Sometimes referred to as “raccoon eyes.”, this may signify a skull fracture.4
- Severe pain: If pain is intense and doesn’t respond to pain relievers, this may indicate a deeper injury.2
- Vision changes: Any vision changes, such as flashes of light or loss of vision, require immediate attention. Double vision or blurry vision could indicate damage to the eye or the optic nerve.2
- Head injury symptoms: If you experience a head injury, watch for signs like confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, as these could indicate a concussion or skull fracture.5
- Prolonged swelling: Swelling that doesn’t improve over time could mean there’s more damage than initially thought.3
- Bleeding from the eyes, nose, or ears: This could be a sign of a more significant injury, such as a facial fracture or injury to the skull.2,3
When in doubt, if a head injury or facial trauma caused your black eye, it’s best to see a doctor. If you have a history of facial surgery, your underlying bone structures are more vulnerable and should be evaluated after any facial trauma.
Promoting a Healthy Healing Process
To get rid of your black eye faster and prevent complications, follow these tips for eye health and black eye care:
- Rest: Give your body time to heal. Avoid strenuous activity, which can increase blood flow to the face and exacerbate swelling. Don’t sleep on the injured side, as this can worsen swelling.3
- Hydration and nutrition: Staying hydrated supports healing and a balanced diet helps provide nutrients like vitamin C, which strengthens blood vessels.3 CorneaCare eye vitamins will help you fill any gaps in your diet.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol: Both can interfere with healing by constricting blood vessels and reducing oxygen to the tissues.6
- Protective eyewear: If you’re participating in contact sports or other activities with high injury risks, always wear protective eyewear. This helps shield your eyes from impact and reduces the likelihood of injury.1
- Skip the heavy makeup: You may be tempted to cover up black eyes with makeup, but this can further irritate the skin and slow the healing process. It’s best to leave the area clean and makeup-free until the bruise has faded.
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How to Get Rid of a Black Eye Fast FAQ
A black eye can look a bit better in three days if it’s a mild bruise and you start treatment right away. However, full healing usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Using cold compresses in the first two days can help limit swelling and bruising, while warm compresses afterward may help it fade faster. You might see some improvement in three days, but complete healing will take a little longer.
Natural remedies work best when used consistently over several days. Start with a cold compress or ice pack for the first 48 hours. After two days, switch to warm compresses, which increase blood flow to help the bruise fade. Eating vitamin C-rich foods, like oranges, bell peppers, and leafy greens, helps strengthen blood vessels, while applying a bit of arnica cream (a natural anti-inflammatory) can reduce bruising and swelling. Just avoid putting anything too close to your eye itself.
Sleeping with a black eye can be a little uncomfortable, but keeping your head elevated on a couple of pillows can help reduce swelling overnight. Sleeping on your back is ideal since lying on the injured side might make the bruise worse. If you’re a side sleeper, try positioning pillows around you to avoid rolling onto the affected area.
Putting It All Together
While black eyes can be alarming, they usually heal on their own with simple home remedies, such as cold compresses, warm compresses, and vitamin C-rich foods. OTC pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are helpful for discomfort, and arnica may help with bruising. However, if symptoms like double vision, blurry vision, or severe pain occur, seek medical help to rule out serious injury.
Staying mindful of protective eyewear, proper self-care, and knowing when to get help can help you get rid of a black eye faster and safer. If treated properly, most black eyes should improve within a week or two, allowing you to return to daily life with ease.
What’s Next
Check out the following articles about minor eye injuries and how to help them heal. However, always contact your eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) if your eye pain persists or you notice vision changes.
