Research Study Shows Retina Damage Following a Brain Injury
According to a research study published in the journal called Eye and Brain, head injuries may cause severe damage to the retina. Some of the most common symptoms of head injuries include headaches, memory loss, difficulty sleeping, and emotional problems. This study also shows that complications from a head injury may cause damage to the eyes. These results are essential because those who have been diagnosed with a head injury should make sure that they get their eyes checked regularly. The sooner vision problems are diagnosed, the faster they can be treated.
The Design of the Research Study
A team of scientists worked with a group of individuals who had sustained multiple head injuries over a period of time. The scientists compared this set of individuals to a control group of people who did not have any history of head injuries. The scientists conducted multiple eye screenings in both groups to look for signs of retinal damage. These screenings were held for 18 months. These eye exams also included testing movements of the eyes, examining the pupils, and looking closely at the nerves that power the eyes. The goal was to compare the vision results of each person from both groups comprehensively.
The Results of the Research Study
The scientists reported that they found eye problems in the group that had previously suffered head trauma. Specifically, the researchers found something called macular thickening in the eyes of these individuals. The macula is the central part of the retina that is responsible for the field of vision. This plays a vital role in transmitting light to the brain to produce an image. Without the macula, people will lose a significant part of their visual field.
The researchers found other problems in the group of patients who had sustained head trauma. They found thinning in the nerves of the retina. This thinning is essential because this is also seen in the retinal nerves of other neurologic diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. When these retinal nerves start to thin, they do not work properly. This may also lead to severe visual problems.
The Signs and Symptoms of Retina Damage
The results of this study are essential since they detected problems with the retina following a traumatic brain injury. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to know how to spot the signs and symptoms of retina damage. These include:
- The appearance of “floaters,” or string-like objects, which appear to float through the visual field
- Repeated flashes of light in the visual field without any actual flashes in the surrounding environment
- Blurred vision in one or more segments of the visual field
- The appearance of a “curtain” descending across the visual field
- Distorted vision, such as sharp edges that appear “wavy” when they should appear straight
Research has shown that more than 10 million people may be suffering from various retinal conditions. This recent study from Eye and Brain shows that retina damage may be more common after a head injury. Everyone needs to know the signs and symptoms of retinal damage. If this damage is caught early, vision may be preserved.
Fresno Brain Injury Lawyer
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