Can Trauma Cause Eye Problems?
Trauma can cause eye issues and injuries, including trauma from a car accident. Whiplash caused by airbag diffusion, head trauma, car accident debris, and so many other aspects of an accident can lead to an accident.
If you are involved in an accident, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. They can advise you of the symptoms to look out for as well as conduct a thorough examination of your eyes and body. Certain eye issues may require surgery or specific treatment. Eye issues can also be caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
There are multiple types of TBIs that range in severity. Common types of TBIs include concussions, brain bleeds, and diffuse axonal injuries (DAIs).
After a vehicular accident, you can suffer from a variety of eye problems and issues that are not related to head trauma. From temporary or permanent blindness to light sensitivity to conditions that require surgery, vehicular accident trauma can lead to eye problems. You may notice the following symptoms after an accident which can mean you have a serious eye issue.
- Trouble focusing
- Swelling to the surrounding tissues
- Sensitivity to light
- Pain and nausea that worsens with eye movements
- Flattened cheek
- Facial numbness
- Double vision
- Difficulty with moving the eyes
- Bruising (Black or blue in color) around the eyes
- Blurred vision
Common Eye Injuries Sustained in a Car Accident
Depending on the type of eye injury or injury that causes eye issues, you may suffer from any of the following eye-related injuries.
- Chemical burns. You may suffer from chemical burns on your face and/or around your eyes if vapor or powder from your airbag is released. These burn injuries are serious and can also lead to other issues like vision loss if not properly treated.
- Eye hemorrhages. You can suffer a hemorrhage in the vitreous humor of your eye, which is the clear, jelly-like substance in your eyes. This injury involves blood leaking into this area of your eye because of damage to the eye or surrounding area and nerves. Complications or a lack of treatment can lead to glaucoma or prolonged vision loss.
- Eyelid lacerations. Lacerations are simply cuts, and cuts on your eyelids can become infected if they are not treated; the debris, car parts, or glass that caused the cut may have bacteria on them that transfer to the lid. Complications from this injury can include vision loss, irregular eyelid contouring, hemorrhages, eyelid notching, and a corneal injury.
- Optic nerve damage. Your optic nerve transmits electrical impulses from your eyes to your brain. If you suffer a head injury, pressure and fluid may build up and press on this nerve, which can lead to the loss of color vision, pain that is worsened by moving the eye, vision disturbances, such as flashing light, and vision loss in one eye.
- Orbital fractures. An orbital fracture refers to a broken bone in the eye socket and is caused by trauma to the face, such as the force of an airbag or blow to the face. There are multiple types of orbital fractures, including orbital rim fractures, blowout fractures, and orbital floor fractures.
- Retinal detachment. This is the most common eye injury sustained in vehicular accidents. Retinal detachment occurs when a retina is torn from the surrounding tissue and moves from its position. Because of the detachment, the retina does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients. This injury is not only very painful but also causes vision loss in the damaged eye, and you will need surgery to reattach the retina.
Involved in a Vehicular Accident? Contact Our Firm.
At The Wiseman Law Firm, our attorney has extensive experience and an impressive track record. If you are involved in a car, truck, motorcycle, or vehicular accident, our personal injury attorney can help you build a solid case. Whether you need help with negotiations or litigation, our team can handle the case legalities while you take the time you need time to heal.
Learn more about our services by calling 407-420-4647 or reaching out online today.
