Auto Accident Lawyers - Common Eye Injuries in Car Accidents
By Christopher Hoffmann
Mar. 8, 2016 8:51a
Our vision is precious. If you have been in an accident and sustained eye injury of some kind, you might be worried about your future. Every car accident is different, and there are various ways in which your eyes may become injured in the collision. Debris from the crash, shattered glass, or even a defective airbag can cause an eye injury.
Each year, almost 300,000 Americans suffer eye injuries in car accidents. In this post, our St. Louis Automobile Accident Attorney will discuss the most common eye injuries that occur in car accidents.
Eyelid lacerations: Flying debris or glass can cause injury to the eyelid. If the cuts are serious, they have to be treated by an ophthalmologist to ensure that there has been no damage to the eye.
Corneal abrasions: The transparent, dome shaped surface at the front of the eye is known as the cornea. It helps focus, direct light, control blinking and protect other parts of the eye. If glass, dust or some other debris enters the eye and comes in contact with cornea, it can cause corneal abrasion. It can cause swelling, pain, squinting, increased sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. This type of injury can be easily treated after removing the foreign particle.
Black eye: This injury occurs when the victim is hit in the face in a car accident. A black eye is often caused by deploying airbags and by flying objects within the car. The injury can cause bleeding under the skin, and cause the tissue around the eye to become discolored. A black eye may also be a sign of a serious head or facial injury.
Chemical burns: When harmful chemicals come into contact with the eye, it can cause burns in the eye. Leaking fluids or older airbags can cause the retina of the eye to detach.
Orbital fracture: When the bones that make up the eye socket break it is known as an orbital fracture. Severe trauma can cause these bones to break. It may lead to temporary or even permanent vision loss.
Traumatic optic neuropathy: This refers to damage to the optic nerve due to trauma. This condition is typically accompanied by some degree of vision loss.
Retinal detachment: It is a serious type of injury that occurs when blunt force trauma from the collision can cause the retina to develop holes or tear. In severe cases, the retina may get detached. It can cause symptoms such as light flashes, floaters and others. .
Traumatic maculopathy: It refers to an injury to the retina or its blood supply. It can lead to permanent vision loss.
If you have suffered an eye injury in a car accident, chances are that you will need extensive treatment. If the accident was caused by another person's negligence, you can claim financial compensation from the at-fault driver. Contact a qualified St. Louis Car Crash Attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.