A black eye is a common injury due to trauma to the eye area, which causes blood clotting under the skin. It is characterized by swelling, discoloration, and tenderness around the eye. While black eyes can be painful and unsightly, they usually aren’t serious and heal within a week or two. However, here are some ways to effectively treat or cure a black eye, promoting faster healing and minimizing discomfort.

Cold compress
One must immediately apply a cold compress or ice pack by wrapping ice in a cloth and gently dabbing it on the black eye to help reduce swelling and inflammation. The cold compress needs to be applied for 15-20 minutes every hour during the first 24-48 hours.

Warm compress
A warm compress is another remedy that helps alleviate pain, improves blood circulation, and aids in the dissolution of blood clots under the black eye. Apply a warm compress to the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes, repeating the process twice. This should be done 2 to 3 times daily for faster recovery.

Keep the head elevated
Elevating the head when lying down is a simple yet effective method to prevent fluid buildup under the eyes, which can reduce the swelling around one’s eyes. Using extra pillows to prop up the head at night or sleeping in a chair or recliner can help reduce swelling until it subsides.

Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil
Cold-pressed coconut oil is anti-inflammatory that can soothe the sensitive area around the black eye. Massaging a few drops of coconut oil around this area gently can help alleviate the pain and clear blood clots, which are the main reasons for discoloration. Since it is a natural remedy, it can be done as often as needed. For faster results, one can leave it overnight for a few days until the injury begins to fade.

Lavender oil
One can use six drops of lavender oil in 15 mL of any carrier oil like argan, almond, jojoba, or primrose. Applying and massaging this mixture gently around one’s eyes can eliminate a black eye, owing to lavender’s strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s best to keep the oil overnight for better results.

Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly soothes the irritated region and keeps it moist by forming a layer of protection on the skin. For example, one can dab a small amount of petroleum jelly on the affected eye region and gently massage it into the skin for a few minutes to improve absorption.

Aloe vera
Aloe Vera is a powerful moisturizer that keeps the skin hydrated and nourished, preventing sagging and premature aging. One can apply a small amount of natural aloe vera gel under the eyes before bedtime.

Tomatoes
The antioxidant properties in tomatoes can help reduce discoloration around the eyes. For example, one can combine a teaspoon of tomato juice with lemon juice and apply it for 10 minutes for fast recovery.

Cucumber
To relieve discomfort, one might apply thin, circular layers of cucumber to their eyes. It works best to leave it on for a few minutes as often as possible. Cucumber has high water content and can help ease swelling while soothing and cooling a damaged eye.

Potato slices
The black eye may be treated naturally by applying a slice of raw potato to the affected eye around the eye and kept on for about 20 minutes. One should perform this procedure three to four times daily for best results. Raw potatoes have anti-inflammatory characteristics that help reduce swelling and irritation, speeding up a black eye’s recovery. They also include enzymes that help dissolve blood clots.

Peppermint oil
An alternative to lavender oil is peppermint oil, which can also be mixed with similar proportions in carrier oil. Peppermint oil is another natural herb whose anti-inflammatory properties help relieve pain and soothe swelling and inflammation around the black eye.

Mint toothpaste
Any white toothpaste, but preferably mint-flavored ones which are anti-inflammatory, can be applied thinly all over the afflicted region and left on for a few hours. This should be done once daily, ideally at night, to help fade the bruise.

Sleeping
Sleeping is essential for the body’s healing process as it allows time for rest and repair of damaged tissues, which is necessary to heal any injuries, including black eyes.

Preventive measures for a black eye
A black eye cannot heal overnight. The swelling and bruising take 2-4 weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside completely. But to prevent the worsening of the injury, one needs to avoid certain activities. One must refrain from rubbing or putting pressure on the affected eye and avoid getting water in the eye. One must also avoid creams or chemicals as they may be unsafe for sensitive eye areas. For example, one needs to wear protective gear during contact sports, use helmets while cycling, and wear seatbelts to avoid injury in the first place. Alternatively, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional immediately if one notices blood around the eyes or experiences blurry vision, persistent headache, vision loss, vomiting, confusion, or difficulty moving one’s eye.