How to Heal a Black Eye

How to Heal a Black Eye

Stay clear of fighting, leave it to the professionals. Who do you think you are, Tyler Durden? Are you a sports guy? If so, watch out because balls hurt and depending on the game some balls hurt much more than others. Maybe it’s concerts or the extreme sports, or maybe you’re just plain clumsy. Regardless of the situation, we suggest you take some notes on how to keep your new shiner hidden from the curious boss or coworker.

Black Eyes are no joke. They are painful and ugly and on average will stick around for close to a week given its size and shape. It looks like you’ll be playing the waiting game , says Dr. Harvey Moscot of Moscot Eyewear and Eye Care since 1915. In the meantime he strongly recommends the following tips to help you be on your way to a faster recovery. And be glad, he mentions, you don’t live in the 1900’s, doctors then would have stuck a leech on your face to suck away the blood.

Things to watch out for - double vision, loss of sight, inability to move the eye, large swelling around the eye such as a hematoma, blood or clear fluid from the nose, blood on the surface of the eye or cuts on the eye itself, and persistent headaches. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms it is important you schedule a doctor visit as it may be more serious than it looks.

Some fixes to help speed up the healing process include:

1. Cold compress for the first 24 hours. This helps keep swelling and coloring down. Take breaks though. If your eye gets too cold, your body will flood the area with blood to try to warm it up.
2. Opt for Tylenol over Aspirin. Aspirin is an anticoagulant, meaning the blood won’t clot, in turn causing a bigger bruise.
3. Apply warm cloths after the 48 hour period. This warms the blood in areas where it has pooled.
4. Get your beauty rest and make sure to prop up several pillows to avoid further swelling.
5. Take your vitamin C. It is a common fact that vitamin C will help the healing process.
6. Apply Vitamin K (1%) cream to the bruised area. Studies show this helps bruises fade faster.
7. Wear sunglasses. If you feel funny wearing them in the office look for a pair with fade to clear lenses.
8. Try not to blow your nose so often. Blowing one’s nose could increase inflammation. Not to mention it is extremely painful too!

photography by diongillard