What Causes the Eye to go Black?

A black eye is actually a bruise. When the force of an impact breaks delicate blood vessels in the lids and surrounding tissues. Blood gets collected under the skin and causes a black or blue discoloration in the lids and around the socket or in other words we can say that it makes the eye look black. As the skin around this area is relatively thin and transparent compared to skin in other parts of the body, the black and blue color of a bruise may seem darker and more intense than other bruises.

Facts

The condition has always been associated with fighting and violence. But this is not the only reason. Rather only few percent of these injuries are caused by violent assaults. The main reason why there is discoloration is because of the contact of a blunt object like a baseball, a hammer, a rock or a piece of lumber. Most are superficial injuries that don�t cause any permanent damage to the tissues around it. When vision changes after a blow, it is a warning sign that the injury may be more than the bruise. The force of the blow may have fractured the delicate bones that form the socket, or the structure itself may be damaged.

Protection

Eyes are very precious to everyone so they should be protected by any way you can. One should wear protection at work. This also helps to overcome risk of work-related injuries. As an athlete protective eyewear is advised. It is dangerous for a child or adult to participate in boxing but there also a protective shield given to participants. One should always buckle up the seat belts while driving and should have a helmet while in two wheeler. One with a black eye should apply cold compressors like an ice bags or a damp cloths for 15 minutes after injury to help reduce pain, swelling and discoloration.