Which term is used to describe bruising around both eyes?

Which term is used to describe bruising around both eyes?

• A. Bilateral Periorbital Ecchymosis
• B. Unilateral Periorbital Ecchymosis
• C. Orbital Hemorrhage
• D. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Answer: (A)

Bruising around both eyes is described as bilateral periorbital ecchymosis. Periorbital means around the eye, ecchymosis is a bruise from bleeding in the soft tissues, and bilateral indicates it involves both sides. This term precisely communicates that the bruising is located around the eyes on both sides. If only one eye were bruised, it would be unilateral periorbital ecchymosis. Orbital hemorrhage refers to bleeding within the orbit itself and usually comes with more signs than simply external bruising. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is bleeding under the conjunctiva on the surface of the eye, which looks like a red patch on the sclera and doesn’t involve bruising of the surrounding periocular tissues.

Bruising around both eyes is described as bilateral periorbital ecchymosis. Periorbital means around the eye, ecchymosis is a bruise from bleeding in the soft tissues, and bilateral indicates it involves both sides. This term precisely communicates that the bruising is located around the eyes on both sides. If only one eye were bruised, it would be unilateral periorbital ecchymosis. Orbital hemorrhage refers to bleeding within the orbit itself and usually comes with more signs than simply external bruising. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is bleeding under the conjunctiva on the surface of the eye, which looks like a red patch on the sclera and doesn’t involve bruising of the surrounding periocular tissues.