Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

B
black eye Bleeding into the tissues around the
EYE resulting from trauma to the area, such as a
blow or surgical OPERATION. As with any other
bruise, the bleeding causes swelling and discoloration.
The most significant concerns with a
black eye are damage to the eye or fractures of the
orbital bones, which require immediate medical
attention.
Seek immediate medical attention if
these symptoms accompany a black
eye:
• seeing dark spots (FLOATERS) or flashes
of light
• any cuts on the insides of the eyelids
or on the eye
• blurry, distorted, or double vision
• numbness on same side of the face
• trouble moving the eye to look up,
down, or to either side
Treatment for a simple black eye is cold to the
area as quickly as possible after the injury occurs
and at frequent intervals during the first 24 hours
or until the PAIN subsides and the swelling stabilizes.
A black eye may take two weeks to fully
heal, and undergoes a number of color changes as
HEALING progresses. People who participate in
sports such as softball, baseball, basketball, tennis,
racquetball, soccer, and similar events should wear
appropriate eye protection.
See also BLEPHAROPLASTY; ORBITAL CELLULITIS; RETI-
NAL DETACHMENT; RHINOPLASTY; TRAUMA TO THE EYE;
VITREOUS DETACHMENT.
blepharitis INFLAMMATION of the eyelids. The
most common causes of blepharitis are INFECTION
and irritation. Anterior blepharitis is INFLAMMATION
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of the outer surface of the eyelid, typically along
the rim at the base of the eyelashes. Posterior blepharitis
affects the inner surface of the eyelid, typically
resulting from blocked oil glands
(meibomian glands) along the eyelid. Symptoms
of either form of blepharitis may include
• itching or burning sensation
• crusting along the eyelids, especially upon
awakening
• swelling and redness
• PHOTOPHOBIA (excessive light sensitivity)
• excessive tearing
• blurry vision
Blepharitis may develop as a result of other
conditions such as DERMATITIS or ROSACEA (disorders
that cause SKIN inflammation). When this is the
case, treatment targets the underlying condition.
When the cause of the inflammation is bacterial,
treatment is topical and sometimes oral ANTIBIOTIC
MEDICATIONS. Occasionally the viruses HERPES SIM-
PLEX I (which causes cold sores) and HERPES ZOSTER
(which causes shingles) can infect the eyes. Viral
infections such as these cause symptoms until
they run their course, typically in 7 to 10 days.
Whatever the cause of the inflammation, moist,
warm compresses help loosen crusted secretions
and keep the eyelids clean. EYE care professionals
recommend gently washing the eyelids with a
mixture of water and baby (tear-free) shampoo.
Blepharitis tends to be chronic so good eyelid
hygiene helps minimize recurrences as well as discomfort
during episodes.
See also BACTERIA; CHALAZION; CONJUNCTIVITIS;
DANDRUFF; DRY EYE SYNDROME; HORDEOLUM; ORBITAL
CELLULITIS.