Your eyes are one of the most exposed and sensitive body parts. Eye injuries are not only painful but also expensive, can be permanently debilitating, and are commonly caused in a car accident.
Almost any type of trauma in an accident can cause an eye injury because there is essentially no protection for the eyes. Your eyes could be injured by impact against the steering wheel or airbag, debris flying through the car, or even broken glass. These events can lead to common eye injuries such as:
- Corneal abrasion: A corneal abrasion is when the eye is scratched, mostly by a sharp object or debris.
- Eye lacerations: Cuts can occur to the eye or eyelid.
- Penetration: An object can penetrate the eye and pierce the cornea or the interior of the eye.
- Optic nerve damage: Certain injuries near the eye area can bleed, causing pressure to the optic nerve.
- Global rupture: A global rupture occurs when an object hits the eye’s outer membrane, causing severe trauma.
- Orbital fracture: An orbital fracture can occur to the bones surrounding the eye area. An orbital blowout fracture is when the bones around the eye are shattered.
- Hyphema: Hyphema is the bleeding of the eye’s anterior chamber, which is the space between the cornea and the iris.
- Burns: Burn injuries to the eye can be caused by hot chemicals, fire, or explosions.
- Detached retina: This occurs when trauma to the eye causes the retina to separate from the wall of the eye, resulting in vision loss.
Eye Injury Medical Treatment
Eye injuries in an accident are difficult to prepare for and prevent. It is imperative to seek medical help if you are suffering from any of these eye injury symptoms:
- Swelling around the eye area
- Inability to see
- Vision changes
- Double vision
- Bruising or redness near the eye
- Abnormal pupils
- Bleeding around or in the eyes
Depending on your symptoms, an ophthalmologist or an eye surgeon will diagnose your injury and recommend the best treatment immediately. Surgery is often the best treatment for an eye injury, especially in severe cases. Other recommended treatments for eye injuries include icing the swollen area to reduce swelling or relieve pain. You may also be prescribed eye drops.
When you suffer an eye injury, you essentially lose one of your more precious senses, drastically affecting your life and ability to work. An eye injury is likely expensive, especially if it is severe or has caused permanent vision loss. You may be unable to perform your duties or any job, leading to a loss of future income. You may need vocational retraining to transition to a career you can do, or you may permanently be on disability.
If you have suffered an eye injury due to a car accident or someone’s negligence, you should speak with an attorney immediately.
Atlantic City Car Accident Lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm Help Clients With Car Accident Eye Injuries
If you have a debilitating eye injury from a car wreck, our Atlantic City car accident lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm are here to help. Call us today at 609-926-3300 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.