Losing vision due to car accidents can be a devastating situation. What people don’t know is that they can opt for legal avenues and seek justice and fair compensation. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of vision loss that can occur after a car accident, the eye injuries that can cause blindness, and the treatment and recovery options available. We will also discuss the role of an attorney in helping car accident victims who become blind after car accidents, and provide preventative measures and driving safety tips.
Key Takeaways
Car accidents can lead to a range of vision impairments, including blindness and peripheral vision loss.
Surgical intervention and specialized therapy are available for treating or restoring vision after car accident injuries.
An attorney can assist with obtaining compensation for victims of car accidents who experience vision loss.
Types of Vision Loss Following a Car Accident
Car accidents can result in a range of vision impairments, including temporary or permanent blindness, blurred vision, and peripheral vision loss, which may require medical treatment. A decrease in visual acuity can be one of the symptoms arising from eye injuries sustained in car crashes. The sudden loss or impairment of vision resulting from a car accident can present a variety of physical challenges and may lead to a personal injury case.
We will now examine the various types of vision loss and their implications more closely.
Temporary vs. Permanent Blindness
Temporary blindness may be amenable to treatment, whereas permanent blindness can have a prolonged effect on the individual’s life. Various factors may contribute to temporary blindness after a car accident, such as:
Tears and detachments in the retina caused by the high forces experienced during the accident
Traumatic brain injuries or upper cervical spine injuries
Trauma to the facial region that affects the eyes
Trauma to the face or brain
The duration of temporary blindness following a car accident can range from a few seconds to a few minutes. Prompt medical attention is crucial if you experience temporary blindness after a car accident.
On the other hand, the indications of permanent blindness or partial or total blindness resulting from a car accident can include those who suffered blindness:
Blurred vision
Double vision
Light sensitivity
Loss or reduction of peripheral vision
Seeing flashes of light
Sudden appearance of floaters
Retinal detachment is a serious ocular condition, with complete and permanent blindness as a potential outcome. This can be caused by a car crash. Other injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, can also lead to permanent vision loss. Seeking medical attention is vital if you notice any vision issues after a car accident.
Blurred Vision
In the condition known as blurred vision, one or both eyes remain consistently blurry, and this cannot be rectified with treatment or glasses. It can limit a person’s ability to perform certain types of work. The primary causes of blurred vision following a car accident may include neck strain from whiplash, concussion, and traumatic brain injury. A comprehensive eye examination conducted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is necessary to diagnose blurred vision resulting from a car accident. This examination will assess visual acuity, evaluate eye muscles and coordination, and check for any underlying eye conditions or injuries. Furthermore, any potential concussion or traumatic brain injury must be taken into consideration.
Following a car accident, blurred vision can be a potential complication which may indicate a range of underlying issues such as:
concussions
retinal detachment
decreased peripheral vision
double vision
eye injuries
Identifying the cause and receiving appropriate treatment necessitates medical attention.
Peripheral Vision Loss
Peripheral vision loss refers to the decreased ability to detect objects located outside of the central visual field. Some potential impacts of peripheral vision loss include:
Difficulty driving defensively and responding quickly to unexpected situations
Increased risk of accidents and hazards
Limitations in certain industries and sectors that require a full field of vision for safety purposes
It is important to address and manage peripheral vision loss to ensure safety and well-being.
Awareness of the risks of peripheral vision loss and taking precautions to prevent accidents are crucial. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
Ensure you have a full field of vision while driving.
Engage in activities that require full awareness.
Seek medical attention if you notice any changes in your peripheral vision.
By following these steps, you can help protect yourself from potential dangers.
Eye Injuries Leading to Blindness After a Car Accident
Eye injuries causing blindness after a car accident include retinal detachment, chemical burns, and optic nerve damage. These injuries require immediate medical attention to prevent further damage and potential vision loss.
We will further elaborate on these eye injuries in the upcoming sections.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina detaches from its normal position and is separated from the adjacent tissue. Pain in the eye and vision loss are potential symptoms of retinal detachment. It is recommended to seek medical care promptly after the accident and be aware of any symptoms that may arise in the days following the incident. If you receive a head or eye injury during a car accident, immediate emergency medical intervention is crucial.
Retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated appropriately and promptly. Surgical procedures such as pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle, and vitrectomy can help restore sight after severe eye injuries or prevent total vision loss. Adhering to the post-operative care instructions given by your surgeon is vital for optimal healing and minimizing potential complications.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns from airbag deployment may result in alkali keratitis and permanent vision loss. The symptoms of chemical burns in the eyes resulting from airbag deployment may include:
Immediate redness
Pain
Decreased vision
Erythema
Photophobia
Significant discomfort due to an epithelial surface defect in the cornea
Immediate first aid steps for a chemical burn in the eye caused by airbag deployment include:
Flushing the eye under a faucet
Gently everting the lid or using irrigation to remove debris
Continuing to flush the burn with lukewarm or cool water for as long as possible
In case of a chemical burn to the eye following a car accident, immediate medical attention is vital to prevent further damage and potential vision loss. Treatment may involve medication, eye drops, or surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the burn and the extent of the damage to the eye.
Optic Nerve Damage
Optic nerve damage is a type of trauma that can occur from a car accident and may result in blindness or vision loss. Car accidents may lead to optic nerve damage as a result of head trauma and increased pressure on the skull. Blunt force trauma sustained during the accident can cause pressure on the eyes, resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss. Optic nerve damage following a car accident may present with difficulty focusing, swelling to the surrounding tissues, sensitivity to light, pain, and nausea that worsens with eye movements, flattened cheek, double vision, hazy vision, difficulty focusing, blurred vision, blindness, and other seeing impairments.
The immediate effects of optic nerve damage on vision may include blurred vision, dimmed vision, and temporary vision loss in one eye. In the long term, optic nerve damage can result in permanent vision loss and reduced vision. Treatment may involve medication, eye drops, or surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the damage and the extent of the injury to the optic nerve.
Treatment and Recovery Options for Vision Loss After a Car Accident
Treatment and recovery options for vision loss after a car accident include surgical intervention and specialized therapy, depending on the severity of the injury.
We will further examine these treatment options in the subsequent sections.
Surgical Intervention
Surgical intervention can aid in restoring sight after severe eye injuries or preventing total vision loss. The common surgical procedures for treating retinal detachment after a car accident involve pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle, and vitrectomy. The success rate of surgery for optic nerve damage after trauma has been reported to range between 40% and 75%.
The recovery time following surgery for severe eye injuries sustained from a car accident can be variable, depending on the particular injury and the individual’s healing rate. It may take several weeks to months for the eye to fully heal. Following the post-operative care instructions given by the surgeon is crucial for optimal healing and to minimize any potential complications.
Specialized Therapy
Individuals who have suffered vision loss as a result of a car accident may require specialized therapy for their brain injuries. Some of the specialized therapies available for vision loss resulting from a car accident include:
Neuro-optometric rehabilitation
Visual rehabilitation exercises
Prism lenses
Vision therapy
Occupational therapy is a valuable resource for visual rehabilitation for individuals with vision loss resulting from a car accident. It provides:
Strategies and alternative approaches to performing daily activities
Works to improve eye alignment, tracking, and visual processing
Focuses on managing and preventing vision loss
Offers education, resource advocacy, and problem-solving strategies for individuals with vision impairment.
Role of Attorney for Car Accident Victims with Vision Loss
An attorney can provide invaluable support to car accident victims with vision loss by pursuing compensation and offering complimentary consultations.
We will now discuss how an attorney can assist car accident victims with vision loss.
Compensation for Vision Loss
Assessing compensation for vision loss after a car accident can be challenging, hence the necessity of consulting a personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can assist clients in:
Obtaining recovery amounts that appropriately account for their long-term care and support needs
Investigating the cost of treatments that may improve their condition
Referring them to relevant specialists
An attorney can construct a strong legal argument, liaise with insurance companies, and pursue financial restitution for their clients. They can provide guidance and representation to help car accident victims with vision loss navigate the legal process and seek the compensation they deserve.
Free Consultation Offers
Numerous law firms provide legal guidance and representation through free consultations for car accident victims suffering from vision loss. During a free legal consultation for car accident victims with vision loss, attorneys typically:
Evaluate the accident
Review medical records and documentation
Assess liability
Discuss compensation options
Devise a legal strategy
When attending a free legal consultation, car accident victims with vision loss should be sure to:
Bring any medical records or documentation related to their vision loss resulting from the car accident
Ask about the lawyer’s experience in handling similar cases
Inquire about the proposed legal strategy
Discuss any potential legal deadlines or statutes of limitations that may affect their case
Contact BLG for The Best Car Crash Attorneys in Town!
In conclusion, car accidents can lead to various types of vision loss, including temporary or permanent blindness, blurred vision, and peripheral vision loss. Eye injuries that can cause blindness after a car accident include retinal detachment, chemical burns, and optic nerve damage. Treatment options for vision loss after a car accident include surgical intervention and specialized therapy, depending on the severity of the injury. An attorney can help car accident victims with vision loss by seeking compensation and offering free consultations.
Experiencing vision loss after a car accident? Don’t face it alone. Contact our top-notch Car Accident Attorneys at BLG today for expert legal guidance and the support you need to protect your rights. Your vision matters, and so does your future. Let us help you navigate the path to recovery and justice.
Contact us now for a free consultation to explore your options and get the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a car crash cause blindness?
Yes, car crashes can cause blindness if the eye suffers direct trauma due to debris or an individual sustains a whiplash-associated disorder or traumatic brain injury.
Why is my eyesight worse after a car accident?
The car accident may have caused a concussion or traumatic brain injury, which is one of the most common causes of vision loss. Pressure and fluid buildup can press on your optic nerve, leading to pain, flashing lights, color vision loss, and vision loss in one eye. Therefore, it is possible that your eyesight has worsened due to the car accident.
Injuries that can cause blindness?
Physical trauma, such as blunt force or penetrative trauma, can both cause permanent or temporary blindness. Eye injuries should always be taken seriously to reduce the risk of long-term vision damage.
What treatment options are available for vision loss after a car accident?
Surgical intervention and specialized therapy are the primary treatment options available for vision loss after a car accident.
How can an attorney help car accident victims with vision loss?
An attorney can help car accident victims with vision loss by offering free consultations, pursuing compensation, and providing legal guidance and representation.
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