Common Eye Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Car accidents are a leading cause of injuries in the United States. Many people associate bone fractures and head injuries with car accidents. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of severe eye injuries, as well. During a car accident, a victim's eyes can be exposed to shattered glass from the windshield, leaking gas, and other types of debris. Eyes are also exposed to rapid changes in velocity and can become injured by a deployed airbag’s force.

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to properly diagnose eye injuries after a car accident. Sometimes victims do not even realize their eyes have been injured. In the aftermath of the car accident, victims may not realize that their vision is blurry or that their eyes are in pain. Victims may be paying attention to more apparent injuries, such as broken bones or lacerations.

Untreated eye injuries can hasten vision loss or even cause it in some cases. If you have been in a car accident, it is wise to see your physician as soon as possible. Pay close attention to any symptoms related to your vision or eyesight. If you experience symptoms, do not delay in seeking treatment as your vision could be at stake. Suppose you have already suffered injuries to your eye and your doctor failed to properly diagnose or treat your eye injuries. In that case, you may be entitled to damages through a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Eye injuries are far more common than most people assume. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of trauma-related eye injuries. Victims’ eyes can be thrown violently into the airbag, steering wheel or become injured by Broken Glass. The powder used by airbag manufacturing companies can also cause chemical burns to a victim's eyes and face. At first, these chemical burns can feel like mild irritation, but they can lead to permanent damage if the eyes are not treated in time.

Broken glass can cause lacerations around the eye and to the eye. Damage to the eye’s surface, called a corneal abrasion, can lead to serious long-term injuries. Car accident victims can also experience hemorrhaging around the eye and blood in the middle of the eyeball. Bleeding in the brain or around the eye can lead to optic nerve damage.

Head injuries can cause the optic nerve to undergo increased pressure, resulting in vision loss. Additionally, car accident victims who experienced traumatic brain injuries can have blurry vision or other vision issues. The most common types of eye injuries caused by car accidents are:

• Lacerations on the eye’s surface
• Corneal abrasions
• Blood in the vitreous
• Optic nerve damage
• Chemical burns

If you have been in a car accident, you may be experiencing the following common symptoms of eye injuries. Eye injuries are particularly difficult to diagnose, and they are also dangerous because if left untreated, eye injuries can damage your vision. Some of the most common symptoms for eye damage after a car accident include the following:

• A cut in your eyelid
• Swollen eyes
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty seeing
• One eye does not move as well as the other eye
• Blood in or around any part of your eyes
• Itching and irritation of the eyes

If there is a possibility that you got glass or metal in your eye during the car accident, you need to see a doctor right away. Even tiny fragments can become embedded within the surface of your eye and cause significant, long-term damage. If you think a glass or other debris has become embedded in your eye, do not rub your eye. You can use a saline solution or eyewash to try to flush the object out. We recommend going to the emergency room right away. Do not allow the object to become further embedded and cause more damage by delaying medical treatment.

If you have suffered an eye injury caused by another driver's negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation. Without the ability to see correctly, you may lose the ability to work and engage in the activities you once loved. The sooner you contact an experienced car accident lawyer, the better. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, our personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of obtaining the compensation our clients deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.