A black eye is a common injury that can result from a variety of causes, such as a fall, a sports injury, or a car accident. While most black eyes will heal within a few weeks, some may take longer to resolve. If you have a black eye that won't go away after months, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
In most cases, a black eye that doesn't go away is caused by a minor injury that has not fully healed. However, there are some more serious medical conditions that can cause a black eye, such as a fracture of the orbital bone, a blood clot, or an infection. If you experience any of the following symptoms along with your black eye, it's important to seek medical attention right away:
Transition: If you're concerned about a black eye that won't go away after months, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your black eye and recommend the best course of treatment.
black eye won't go away after months
A black eye that won't go away after months may be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
- Possible causes: fracture, blood clot, infection
- Seek medical attention if you have:
- Severe pain
- Vision problems
- Swelling that doesn't go away
- Pus or discharge from the eye
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Possible causes: fracture, blood clot, infection
Fracture: A fracture of the orbital bone, which is the bone that surrounds the eye, can cause a black eye that won't go away. Orbital fractures can be caused by a variety of injuries, such as a fall, a sports injury, or a car accident. Symptoms of an orbital fracture include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the eye.
Blood clot: A blood clot in the eye, also known as a hyphema, can also cause a black eye that won't go away. Hyphemas can be caused by a variety of injuries, such as a blunt force trauma to the eye. Symptoms of a hyphema include pain, redness, and blurred vision.
Infection: An infection of the eye, such as cellulitis or orbital cellulitis, can also cause a black eye that won't go away. Infections of the eye can be caused by a variety of bacteria or viruses. Symptoms of an eye infection include pain, redness, swelling, and discharge from the eye.
If you have a black eye that won't go away after months, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any of these more serious medical conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Seek medical attention if you have:
If you have a black eye that won't go away after months, it's important to see a doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain
Pain that is severe or doesn't go away is a sign that there may be a more serious underlying medical condition.
- Vision problems
Any changes in your vision, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision, should be evaluated by a doctor right away.
- Swelling that doesn't go away
Swelling around the eye that doesn't go away after a few days may be a sign of an infection or other serious medical condition.
- Pus or discharge from the eye
Any pus or discharge from the eye is a sign of an infection and should be evaluated by a doctor right away.
Other symptoms that may indicate a more serious medical condition include:
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Severe pain
Severe pain is one of the most common symptoms of a black eye that won't go away after months. The pain may be located in the eye itself, or it may radiate to the head, face, or neck. The pain may be constant or it may come and go. In some cases, the pain may be severe enough to interfere with sleep or daily activities.
There are a number of possible causes of severe pain related to a black eye that won't go away after months. These include:
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye builds up. This can lead to severe pain, vision loss, and even blindness if not treated.
- Iritis: Iritis is an inflammation of the iris, the colored part of the eye. This can also cause severe pain, as well asédieredness, swelling, and discharge from the eye.
- Scleritis: Scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera, the white part of the eye. This can also cause severe pain, as well as swelling and tenderness of the eye.
- Endophthalmitis: Endophthalmitis is an infection of the inside of the eye. This can cause severe pain, as well as vision loss, floaters, and discharge from the eye.
If you have severe pain related to a black eye that won't go away after months, it's important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
In addition to the above, severe pain related to a black eye that won't go away after months may also be caused by a number of other medical conditions, including:
- A fracture of the orbital bone
- A blood clot in the eye
- A tumor or other growth in the eye
- A sinus infection
- A dental problem
If you have severe pain related to a black eye that won't go away after months, it's important to see a doctor right away to rule out any of these serious medical conditions.
Vision problems
Vision problems are another common symptom of a black eye that won't go away after months. These problems may include:
- Blurred vision: This is the most common vision problem associated with a black eye that won't go away after months. It can be caused by a number of factors, including swelling, bleeding, or damage to the eye.
- Double vision: This is also a common vision problem associated with a black eye that won't go away after months. It can be caused by a number of factors, including misalignment of the eyes, damage to the eye muscles, or problems with the brain's ability to process visual information.
- Loss of vision: This is a serious vision problem that can occur in some cases of a black eye that won't go away after months. It can be caused by a number of factors, including damage to the optic nerve, retinal detachment, or glaucoma.
If you experience any vision problems related to a black eye that won't go away after months, it's important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications, including permanent vision loss.
In addition to the above, vision problems related to a black eye that won't go away after months may also be caused by a number of other medical conditions, including:
- A fracture of the orbital bone
- A blood clot in the eye
- A tumor or other growth in the eye
- A detached retina
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
If you experience any vision problems related to a black eye that won't go away after months, it's important to see a doctor right away to rule out any of these serious medical conditions.
Swelling that doesn't go away
Swelling around the eye that doesn't go away after a few days is a sign that there may be a more serious underlying medical condition. This is especially true if the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, vision problems, or discharge from the eye.
There are a number of possible causes of swelling around the eye that doesn't go away, including:
- A fracture of the orbital bone: This can cause swelling, bruising, and pain around the eye. In some cases, it can also lead to vision problems.
- A blood clot in the eye: This can also cause swelling, pain, and vision problems. In some cases, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
- An infection of the eye: This can cause swelling, redness, pain, and discharge from the eye. In some cases, it can also lead to vision problems.
- A tumor or other growth in the eye: This can also cause swelling, pain, and vision problems. In some cases, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
If you have swelling around the eye that doesn't go away after a few days, it's important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
In addition to the above, swelling around the eye that doesn't go away may also be caused by a number of other medical conditions, including:
- Allergic reactions
- Sinus infections
- Thyroid problems
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
If you have swelling around the eye that doesn't go away, it's important to see a doctor right away to rule out any of these serious medical conditions.
Pus or discharge from the eye
Pus or discharge from the eye is a sign of an infection. This can be caused by a number of bacteria or viruses. Symptoms of an eye infection include:
- Pus or discharge from the eye
- Redness and swelling of the eye
- Pain in the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
If you have pus or discharge from the eye, it's important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications, including permanent vision loss.
There are a number of different types of eye infections that can cause pus or discharge, including:
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: This is the most common type of eye infection. It is caused by bacteria that live on the surface of the eye. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and discharge from the eye.
- Viral conjunctivitis: This is another common type of eye infection. It is caused by viruses that can be spread through contact with an infected person or animal. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and discharge from the eye.
- Corneal ulcer: This is a serious eye infection that can lead to permanent vision loss. It is caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that damage the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. Symptoms include pain, redness, and discharge from the eye.
- Endophthalmitis: This is a rare but serious eye infection that can lead to permanent vision loss. It is caused by bacteria or fungi that enter the inside of the eye. Symptoms include pain, redness, and discharge from the eye.
If you have pus or discharge from the eye, it's important to see a doctor right away to determine the cause of the infection and get the appropriate treatment.
Fever
A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. A normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). A fever is typically defined as a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher.
A fever can be a sign of an infection. This is because when the body fights an infection, it produces chemicals called pyrogens. These pyrogens cause the body's temperature to rise, which helps to kill the bacteria or virus that is causing the infection.
A fever can also be a sign of other medical conditions, such as:
- Dehydration
- Heatstroke
- Certain types of cancer
- Inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Certain medications
If you have a fever, it's important to see a doctor right away to determine the cause of the fever and get the appropriate treatment.
In the case of a black eye that won't go away after months, a fever may be a sign of a serious infection. This is especially true if the fever is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, swelling, redness, or discharge from the eye.
If you have a black eye that won't go away after months and you develop a fever, it's important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Nausea or vomiting
Nausea or vomiting is a common symptom of many different medical conditions. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Motion sickness
- Food poisoning
- Intestinal obstruction
- Appendicitis
- Menstrual cramps
- Pregnancy
- Migraine headaches
- Certain medications
In the case of a black eye that won't go away after months, nausea or vomiting may be a sign of a serious medical condition. This is especially true if the nausea or vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, swelling, redness, or discharge from the eye.
Possible causes of nausea or vomiting related to a black eye that won't go away after months include:
- A fracture of the orbital bone: This can cause nausea and vomiting due to the pain and inflammation.
- A blood clot in the eye: This can also cause nausea and vomiting due to the pain and inflammation.
- An infection of the eye: This can cause nausea and vomiting due to the toxins that are produced by the bacteria or virus that is causing the infection.
- A tumor or other growth in the eye: This can cause nausea and vomiting due to the pressure that it puts on the surrounding tissues.
If you have nausea or vomiting related to a black eye that won't go away after months, it's important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about black eyes that won't go away after months:
Question 1: What are some possible causes of a black eye that won't go away after months?
Answer: There are a number of possible causes, including a fracture of the orbital bone, a blood clot in the eye, an infection of the eye, or a tumor or other growth in the eye.
Question 2: What are some symptoms of a black eye that won't go away after months?
Answer: Symptoms may include pain, vision problems, swelling that doesn't go away, pus or discharge from the eye, fever, and nausea or vomiting.
Question 3: When should I see a doctor about a black eye that won't go away after months?
Answer: You should see a doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: severe pain, vision problems, swelling that doesn't go away, pus or discharge from the eye, fever, or nausea or vomiting.
Question 4: How is a black eye that won't go away after months diagnosed?
Answer: Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical examination and may order some tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.
Question 5: How is a black eye that won't go away after months treated?
Answer: Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the black eye. For example, if the black eye is caused by a fracture of the orbital bone, you may need surgery to repair the fracture.
Question 6: What is the prognosis for a black eye that won't go away after months?
Answer: The prognosis for a black eye that won't go away after months depends on the underlying cause of the black eye. If the black eye is caused by a minor injury, it will likely resolve on its own within a few months. However, if the black eye is caused by a more serious medical condition, the prognosis may be less favorable.
Closing Paragraph: If you have a black eye that won't go away after months, it's important to see a doctor right away to rule out any serious underlying medical conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Here are some tips for preventing a black eye that won't go away after months:
Tips
Here are some tips for preventing a black eye that won't go away after months:
Tip 1: Wear protective eyewear when participating in sports or other activities where there is a risk of eye injury.
Tip 2: Avoid getting into fights or other situations where you could be hit in the eye.
Tip 3: If you do get hit in the eye, apply a cold compress to the area immediately.
Tip 4: If the pain, swelling, or other symptoms do not improve within a few days, see a doctor right away.
Closing Paragraph: By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of developing a black eye that won't go away after months.
If you have a black eye that won't go away after months, it's important to see a doctor right away to rule out any serious underlying medical conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
- A black eye that won't go away after months may be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
- Possible causes of a black eye that won't go away after months include a fracture of the orbital bone, a blood clot in the eye, an infection of the eye, or a tumor or other growth in the eye.
- Symptoms of a black eye that won't go away after months may include pain, vision problems, swelling that doesn't go away, pus or discharge from the eye, fever, and nausea or vomiting.
- It's important to see a doctor right away if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
- Treatment for a black eye that won't go away after months will depend on the underlying cause of the black eye.
- There are a number of things you can do to prevent a black eye that won't go away after months, such as wearing protective eyewear when participating in sports or other activities where there is a risk of eye injury, avoiding getting into fights or other situations where you could be hit in the eye, and applying a cold compress to the area immediately if you do get hit in the eye.
Closing Message:
If you have a black eye that won't go away after months, it's important to see a doctor right away to rule out any serious underlying medical conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.