Head injury with eye symptoms
A knock to the head that comes with visual symptoms — blurred or double vision, black eye, sensitivity to light, or seeing floaters and flashes — needs assessment. Most cases turn out to be minor bruising around the eye, but a head injury with new visual symptoms could be a sign of injury inside the eye or a concussion.
When to get medical help
Use NHS 111 online, call 111, or contact your GP if:
- Any head injury with new visual symptoms
- A black eye — get it checked to be sure the eye itself is not damaged
- Headache that comes on or gets worse after a knock to the head
Call 999 or go to A&E if someone has: loss of consciousness (even briefly), repeated vomiting, seizures, weakness or numbness on one side, slurred speech, or clear fluid coming from the nose or ears after a head injury.
Further information
This page provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.