First Aid & Emergencies

Black Eye Treatment

1. Treat Symptoms

• Apply ice to the area. Don't press on the eye.

• For pain, give acetaminophen (Tylenol). Don't give aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), because they can increase bleeding.

2. Get Medical Help

See a health care provider to make sure there is no further damage to the eye.

Call a health care provider immediately if:

• The person's vision is blurred, double, or lost in either eye.

• The person is in severe pain.

• You suspect a serious eye injury.

• There is drainage or bleeding on the white part of the eye or drainage from the eye.

• The eyeball looks abnormal.

• Skin around the eye is split or there is a cut on the eyelid.

3. Follow Up

• Continue icing the area several times a day for 1 or 2 days.

• After 1 or 2 days, apply warm compresses instead.