Beware the black eye

Maxillofacial injuries are common and account for up to 5% of attendances in accident departments. Many of these are associated with a black eye. The associated swelling around the eye may hide serious injuries to the globe or facial skeleton, which, if undiagnosed, may lead to a loss of vision or unpleasant facial deformity. This article discusses some of the more common underlying injuries associated with a black eye, and illustrates the consequences of failing to diagnose them. The assessment of a black eye is described.