Many people are familiar with car crash injuries like broken bones or whiplash. You might not know that some car accident injuries could cause vision loss.
There are several ways this could happen, which we explore below. If you were injured in a crash, you should consider contacting a Fort Worth car accident attorney for assistance.
Direct Trauma to the Eyes
Crash victims could get hit in the face or eyes by the steering wheel, airbag, dashboard or even flying debris. Sharp objects or shattered glass could penetrate the eye, causing immediate and often irreversible damage.
A sharp blow to the head could cause the retina to detach from the back of the eye. A detached retina could cause partial or even total vision loss without immediate treatment. However, even with emergency surgery, doctors might not be able to fully restore vision.
The risk of a detached retina increases in high-impact collisions, as there is a higher risk of damage to the brain. Examples of high-impact collisions include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-impact (T-bone) collisions
- Rollover accidents
Head and Brain Injuries
Suddenly stopping during a crash could cause a concussion, where the brain collides with the inside of the skull. This movement could damage the visual cortex, which might cause:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
Sometimes damage to the brain could affect the optic nerve. Victims could experience partial or complete blindness.
Indirect Injuries and Psychological Trauma
People generally think of whiplash as a neck injury, but it could affect your eyesight. The sudden movement can strain the muscles and nerves connected to the eyes.
It may also be possible to have psychologically induced vision loss after an auto accident.
