The Black Eye

Bilateral periorbital hematoma is simply a black eye or a shiner. The so-called black eye is caused by bleeding beneath the skin and around the eye. Technically speaking, a black eye is a bruise or discoloration caused by broken blood vessels under the surface of the skin. Although the name "black eye" would indicate otherwise, the eye itself is usually not injured. The dramatic appearance (discoloration purple black and blue and swelling) does not necessarily indicate a serious injury, and most black eyes resolve within a week.