Our senses, and particularly our vision, play a vital role in most of our daily activities. As a result, if your eyes were recently injured due to a car accident, then your life has probably changed significantly. You may no longer be able to work or even carry out routine activities.
The level of visual impairment that eye injury victims face can vary depending on the type of trauma suffered. Outlined below are some of the more common eye injuries associated with road traffic collisions.
Surface injuries
During a crash, there is likely to be debris which can enter the eye. The windows in modern vehicles tend to shatter into small pieces so that large shards do not cause lacerations to occupants. However, these smaller pieces of glass can still cause surface eye injuries such as corneal abrasions and scratches. Generally, these injuries heal over a period of several weeks but they can still cause significant discomfort and may be temporarily debilitating.
Optic nerve damage
The optic nerve sits behind the eye and is responsible for carrying messages from the retina to the brain. The blunt force trauma of a car accident can damage the optic nerve. Oftentimes, this kind of injury is the result of orbital fractures which cause swelling that leads to increased pressure on the nerve.
Chemical burns
A car crash can also result in hazardous chemicals being released that can be harmful to the eyes. For instance, virtually all modern vehicles are fitted with airbags which can emit chemicals when pierced. These substances have the potential to cause serious chemical burns that can result in temporary or permanent blindness.
If the injuries you suffered were the result of another driver’s negligence, you may be able to hold them to account. Seek legal guidance to find out more about your options.