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What Is The Cause For Black Swollen Eye Lid ?
I m 82 years old on medications that I have used for years. Two days ago I awoke with swollen and black eyelid on my left eye. I know of no trauma . Now the area around my eye is completely black. No pain and no problem with vision . This is the first time this has happened. Only blood thinner is 81 mg aspirin daily. What could be the cause and should I see a doctor. Thank you
Mon, 7 May 2012
Hi sir, spontaneous bleeding under the skin is seen sometimes in patients who are taking aspirin. Its known as ecchymosis
. Aspirin is an anti-platelet drug which delays platelet agglutination. So skin bruising is more common in such patients.
. Consult your physician who has started you on aspirin & see if aspirin dose can be reduced. He will decide depending on your cardiac status
. Black colour under the eyelid skin will fade slowly. Apply ice packs over it
. Aspirin is an anti-platelet drug which delays platelet agglutination. So skin bruising is more common in such patients.
. Consult your physician who has started you on aspirin & see if aspirin dose can be reduced. He will decide depending on your cardiac status
. Black colour under the eyelid skin will fade slowly. Apply ice packs over it
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Dear Enquirer I am sorry to hear about the problem with your (L)eye lid. I strongly advise you to see your Doctor to check your eyes. Personally I think you need not worry about that. Our blood vessels tend to get fragile as we get old due to a condition called atherosclerosis. They just sponteniosly break and bleeding starts under the skin. It is called senile purpura. On top of it you take aspirin to keep your blood thin and it prolongs bleeding time by preventing platelets aggregation. I feel it will settle sponteniously.. Kindest regards.
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User's Response
Dr. Prashun Guha,
Ophthalmologist's Response
Ophthalmologist's Response
Dear dwh29, Thanks for the question. The swollen black eyelid which you have referred to is also known as black eye. Usually it is due to direct or indirect blunt trauma to the eyelids, but in your case since you are on asprin, which prevents clotting of blood, it may be spontaneous without any known reason or more likely due to pressure or inadvertent light trauma to your eyelids while asleep. You should get your blood pressure checked and also get a clotting time and bleeding time tests done. Any abnormal values would indicate that you need to consult your GP for further advice. As for your eyes, an antibiotic drop applied 4 times a day for 10 days would help prevent any infection from developing and the black eye might take 45 to 60 days to be fully gone.
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