Eye injuries from car crashes are a common sight to see. The most common way your eye may get injured is by the broken flying pieces of glass of the windshield or the window upon a crash. Glass or other sharp objects that go flying when another vehicle hits your car can result in injuries that can cause temporary or permanent vision loss.
The eyes are one of the five main organs, and losing them in car accidents can change your entire life. If you have been in an accident because of someone else’s fault and acquired eye injuries, Philadelphia, PA personal injury attorneys can help recover compensation.
Common eye injuries after a car accident
- Corneal abrasions.
Your cornea helps to focus and control light. Your cornea can get scratched by various things, such as sand, dirt, dust, wood shavings, metal objects, glass, contact lenses, or even from the edge of a paper. The symptoms may include pain, redness, tearing, sensitivity to light, headache, and a gritty feeling in the eye. In severe cases, the scratch may result in permanent scarring and cause vision loss.
- Retinal detachment.
The retina is a thin layer at the back of your eye that sends images to your brain. Retinal detachment happens when the retina peels away from the supporting tissue. If the condition is left untreated for a long time, it can result in permanent vision loss or blindness. If you see the sudden appearance of floaters in your eye and experience blurred vision, consult your doctor immediately.
- Orbital fracture.
An orbital fracture occurs in one of the bones surrounding the eye socket. A hard blow to the face often causes it. Minor injuries can be treated with cold therapy at home. However, more severe cases may need surgical treatments by a specialist.
- Eyelid cut.
Eyelid cuts are perhaps the most common eye-related injuries in a car accident. People often close their eyes in fear of a car accident that exposes their eyelids, and sharp objects coming in contact injure them.
Detecting eye injuries after a car accident
Victims often fail to realize that their eyes have got injured after a car accident. This happens mainly because of two reasons: the symptoms are not significant enough, or they may be focusing on bigger injuries, such as broken bones and burns.
However, you should never delay injury diagnosis following a car accident. Untreated eye injuries can develop into serious conditions. If you have been in a car accident, you should seek medical help immediately, even if you feel okay. Getting your injuries documented is important both for your health and your personal injury claim.
