Sock in the Eye

Boy, the New York Times sure comes in handy...

"Treating a Sock in the Eye"

Q. Does it work to slap a steak on a black eye, as they do in cartoons and after fistfights in old movies?

A. Experts in modern emergency medicine uniformly reject the steak approach to first aid for a bruise in the eye area, though many suggest that if the meat is refrigerated, it probably helps counter the swelling and discoloration. But any benefit will be outweighed by possible bacterial contamination from uncooked meat placed on an abrasion.