B

black eye Bleeding into the tissues around the
EYEresulting from trauma to the area, such as a
blow or surgical OPERATION. As with any other
bruise, the bleeding causes swelling and discol-
oration. 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 PAINsubsides and the swelling stabi-
lizes. 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

of the outer surface of the eyelid, typically along

the rim at the base of the eyelashes. Posterior ble-

pharitis affects the inner surface of the eyelid, typ-

ically 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 DERMATITISor ROSACEA(disorders

that cause SKINinflammation). 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-

PLEXI (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. EYEcare 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 dis-

comfort during episodes.

See also BACTERIA; CHALAZION; CONJUNCTIVITIS;

DANDRUFF; DRY EYE SYNDROME; HORDEOLUM; ORBITAL

CELLULITIS.

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