How true is the rumor that the best way to treat a black eye is to put a steak on it?

ANSWER. Yes it's true but obviously only if the steak is raw. It is actually the "coldness" of the steak that reduces the swelling and discoloration of a "black eye". You can also use a cold towel or even a bottle of cold juice or softdrink that you wrap with a napkin or a hanky.  The sooner you do it after the blow, the better.  But If the blow  was hard enough to cause a black eye, it may also cause damage to other delicate structures of the eye like the retina or the "angle" .  These can lead to very serious eye problems.  The ACES eye team can help you make sure your black eye heals quickly and safely after injury.