As a victim of a car accident in Texas, you may suffer injuries that are not immediately apparent. Eye injuries in particular can manifest symptoms days or even weeks after a collision. Blurry vision, eye pain, sensitivity to light, and double vision are signs you should not ignore. Neglecting to address eye trauma from an accident can lead to permanent vision damage or blindness.
Seek medical care right away if you experience any changes in your vision after an accident. An eye exam, visual field testing, and eye imaging can properly diagnose the underlying issues. Common eye injuries from crashes include corneal abrasions, retinal detachments, and optic nerve damage. These require prompt treatment like eye patches, medication, therapy or even surgery to prevent irreversible harm. Talk with a Texas Car Accident Lawyer to get started if you feel you have a case.
While recovering from a car accident is difficult enough, protecting your vision should be a top priority. Don't make the mistake of attributing vision problems to fatigue or stress. Your sight is too precious to put at risk. Get checked out by an ophthalmologist immediately so you can get the treatment you need and take the first step toward restoring your health and mobility. The effects of a car crash can linger, but with the right medical intervention your vision can heal and remain clear.
Common Eye Injuries From Car Accidents
Common Eye Injuries From Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause serious eye injuries with lasting consequences. It is important to understand the types of eye injuries that may result from a car accident in order to get proper medical diagnosis and treatment.
Blunt trauma to the eye can lead to hyphema, a pooling of blood in the front chamber of the eye (anterior chamber) that causes blurry vision and eye pain. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. This can cause flashes of light, blurry vision, shadowy areas in your peripheral (side) vision, and in severe cases lead to loss of vision.
Penetrating eye injuries such as lacerations or punctures to the eye can have devastating outcomes like loss of vision. Chemical exposure from airbag deployment may lead to eye irritation, inflammation, and in rare cases long-term damage.
Whiplash injuries can also cause issues like double vision (diplopia), difficulties focusing (accommodation issues), and dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) from damage to muscles and nerves in the eye and neck.
If you experience any eye symptoms after a motor vehicle accident, seek immediate medical evaluation from an ophthalmologist. Early diagnosis and management of eye injuries is critical to preventing permanent vision impairment or loss. Your eye doctor can properly assess damage, determine necessary treatment like surgery to repair retinal detachments or lacerations, and help you recover with the best visual outcome possible under the circumstances.
With prompt diagnosis and management of eye injuries by an ophthalmologist after a car accident, most people can recover good visual function and prevent severe, long-term visual disability. However, some injuries like optic nerve damage can still have lasting effects. An eye doctor is best equipped to evaluate your unique eye injury and discuss prognosis.
Symptoms of an Eye Injury After a Crash
If you experience vision problems after a car accident in Texas, you may have suffered an eye injury and should see an optometrist as soon as possible for an eye exam. Some common symptoms of eye injuries from crashes include:
Blurred vision or difficulty focusing. The impact from a collision can cause swelling, bleeding, or damage to the eyes that impairs your ability to see clearly.
Persistent double vision or seeing “ghost” images. This can indicate nerve or muscle damage around the eyes.
Excessive tearing, redness, or discharge from the eyes. This could signal irritation, cuts, or other trauma to the eyes.
Sensitivity to light. Head trauma from an accident may lead to light sensitivity or pain.
The appearance of “floaters” or spots in your vision. Small specks or cobweb-like shapes drifting through your field of view could indicate retinal damage or detachment.
Vision loss
Partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes requires emergency care. Vision loss can have many causes after a car crash, from bleeding in the eye to traumatic optic neuropathy. Only an optometrist can properly diagnose the underlying issue and recommend an effective treatment plan to prevent permanent damage.
No matter the severity, any vision problems after an auto accident should be evaluated right away. Early diagnosis and management of eye injuries is critical to restoring and maintaining your vision. An optometrist can examine your eyes, determine the cause of your symptoms, and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include medication, therapy, or in severe cases, surgery.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Pain
When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Pain
If you experience eye pain, discomfort, or changes in vision after a car accident in Texas, it’s critical to consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Some symptoms that warrant prompt medical evaluation include:
- Vision loss or blurriness: Any loss or decrease of vision, blurred vision, or double vision could indicate damage to the eyes or optic nerves and requires immediate attention.
- Eye misalignment or abnormal pupil size: If one or both eyes appear misaligned or pupils seem an abnormal size, it could signal a severe head or eye injury. Seek emergency care right away.
- Eye redness or swelling: Red, swollen, or inflamed eyes can be a sign of eye trauma, abrasion, or other injury. See an ophthalmologist within 24 hours for an eye exam and treatment.
- Severe or persistent eye pain: While minor eye strain or irritation may improve on its own, constant or intense pain could mean a more serious eye injury or condition and warrants a comprehensive eye exam as soon as you’re able.
- Nausea or vomiting: Experiencing nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light (photophobia) along with eye pain or changes in vision can indicate increased eye pressure or other issues and requires prompt evaluation and monitoring.
- Foreign object in the eye: If you have a foreign object stuck in or irritating your eye, see an ophthalmologist immediately for safe removal and to check for any scratches or damage. Do not attempt to remove the object yourself.
In summary, any bothersome or abnormal eye symptoms after an auto accident should be evaluated right away for proper diagnosis and treatment. An ophthalmologist can examine your eyes, check for injuries, and provide medication or therapy to prevent potential vision loss or impairment. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your vision and eye health.
How a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Can Help if You Suffered an Eye Injury
If you have suffered an eye injury in a Texas car accident, contacting an experienced car accident lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Medical Expenses
Eye injuries often require multiple doctor visits, tests, and procedures to properly diagnose and treat, which can become quite expensive. A car accident lawyer can help recover compensation for all reasonable medical expenses related to your eye injury.
Lost Wages
If your eye injury prevents you from working for a period of time, you may be entitled to lost wage compensation. Your lawyer can calculate your average weekly wage and the total wages lost due to your injury.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to financial losses, you may be able to recover damages for physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages related to your eye injury. Your lawyer can determine an appropriate amount to demand from the at-fault party’s insurance company for your pain and suffering.
Punitive Damages
If the at-fault driver's actions were found to be reckless or intentionally harmful, you may be awarded punitive damages as punishment. Your lawyer can review the details of the accident to determine if pursuing punitive damages may be worthwhile in your case.
An experienced car accident lawyer understands the complexities of eye injury cases and can thoroughly investigate your accident to determine all liable parties. They can handle negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for maximum compensation for all losses and damages related to your eye injury. With the help of a lawyer, you have the best chance of recovering compensation that adequately reflects the severity of your injury.
Tests to Diagnose Eye Damage From an Accident
To properly diagnose any eye damage resulting from a car accident, your eye doctor will conduct several tests.
Visual Acuity Test
This basic eye chart test measures your visual acuity, or clarity of vision. It determines whether your vision has been impaired from the accident.
Pupil Response Test
The doctor will check how your pupils respond to light. Pupils that are unequal in size or do not respond normally to light can indicate nerve or brain damage from trauma.
Eye Movement Test
Your eye doctor will have you track objects to check that your eyes are moving together properly. Difficulty moving your eyes in certain directions can point to damage in the muscles and nerves that control eye movements.
Retinal Exam
Using an ophthalmoscope, the doctor will examine the retina and optic nerve in the back of your eye for any signs of hemorrhaging or tearing. Damage to these delicate structures can lead to vision loss or blindness.
Glaucoma Test
High eye pressure resulting from trauma can lead to glaucoma. Your eye doctor will check your eye pressure to determine if it is within the normal range. Elevated pressure may require medication or surgery to prevent further vision loss.
Visual Field Test
This exam maps your peripheral (side) vision to check for any blind spots (scotomas) in your visual field resulting from the accident. Loss of peripheral vision can impact activities like driving and mobility.
These diagnostic tests are essential following any car accident that results in a direct impact or jolt to your head. Even if your vision seems normal, there may be underlying damage that requires treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Seeking prompt medical care is critical to protecting your vision after a traumatic accident.
Call A Texas Car Accident Lawyer At Fletcher Law
If you have suffered eye injuries in a car accident in Texas, it is critical that you contact an experienced car accident lawyer immediately. They can advise you on how best to proceed to get the medical care and compensation you deserve.
Seeking Medical Attention
The most important first step is to get proper medical care for your eye injuries as soon as possible. Even minor eye trauma can lead to long-term vision issues if left untreated. Have a doctor examine your eyes thoroughly and run any necessary tests to determine the extent of the damage. Be sure to follow all treatment plans and recommendations to optimize your chances of making a full recovery.
Gathering Evidence
Your lawyer will want to see all medical records, bills, photos of your injuries, police reports, and other evidence related to your accident. This information will help in determining who is at fault and the amount of compensation you should pursue. Keep records of all out-of-pocket costs for medical care, as you may be able to recover these in a settlement.
Building a Strong Case
Eye injuries can have devastating, life-changing consequences, so pursuing fair compensation is critical. Your lawyer will review all evidence to build a solid case demonstrating how the other driver's negligence directly caused your injuries. They will handle all communication with insurance companies and work to negotiate a settlement that provides for both your current and future medical needs.
Why Hire a Lawyer?
Trying to handle an insurance claim yourself after suffering eye trauma in an auto accident is extremely difficult and stressful. Car accident lawyers have the experience and resources to advocate for you so you can focus on recovery. They are familiar with Texas personal injury law and know how to build a compelling case to maximize your settlement amount. With so much at stake, hiring an expert lawyer is the smartest step you can take.
Call a reputable Texas car accident lawyer today for a free consultation about your case. They can start working right away to make sure your rights are protected and you are properly compensated for your injuries.
Conclusion
In summary, if you've been in a car accident in Texas and are experiencing vision issues, it's critical to seek medical attention right away. Eye injuries can worsen over time without proper diagnosis and treatment. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can examine your eyes, determine if there are any injuries, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to prevent permanent damage or vision loss. They can also provide documentation of your condition to support a personal injury claim. Call Fletcher Law for help today.
While coping with the aftermath of a car accident is difficult, especially if eye injuries are involved, the good news is that many vision problems resulting from trauma can be treated successfully if caught early. Don't delay - contact a doctor as soon as possible for an eye exam. Your vision and long-term eye health depend on prompt diagnosis and care following an auto accident. With the appropriate treatment and management, you have the best chance of making a full recovery and avoiding permanent impairment or disability. But you must take that important first step to get checked out right away.