Foreign Body in the Eye Following an Auto Accident
There are a lot of risks that come with operating a motor vehicle, and some of these risks are heightened by certain driving behaviors. Without a doubt, distracted driving has occupied a significant amount of the national media spotlight because of how it increases the risk of an auto accident occurring. Some of the statistics that have been released by the National Safety Council (NSC) have shown that:
- People who use their cell phone while operating a motor vehicle cause around 1.5 million car accidents every year.
- These accidents lead to close to 400,000 injuries.
- About a quarter of all auto accidents are caused by texting and driving.
- In the time that most people respond to a text message, a car travels about 100 yards.
- When the eyes are removed from the road, the risk of having a car accident increases by around 400 percent.
Distracted driving presents a major hazard. When an auto accident occurs, there are a lot of different traumatic injuries that could take place. Some of these involve the eyes and could lead to substantial complications.
Foreign Bodies in the Eye: How Does This Happen?
There are several different ways that someone could sustain an eye injury in a car accident. Some of the most common mechanisms by which people could suffer eye trauma include:
- Shattered glass from windows and windshields that could fly into someone’s face.
- Particles that are released from airbags and fly through the air.
- Metal shards that come from direct impacts in auto accidents.
When a foreign body is lodged in the eyes, there are a few common symptoms that people could feel. However, the most common symptom is the discomfort and pain that comes with something stuck in the eye. This could also lead to bleeding, discharge from the eyes, and possible blurry vision. There are a few serious complications that people should know about.
Possible Visual Loss
When someone has a foreign body in their eye, there is always the risk of visual loss. The eye depends on multiple small parts that work together. This includes:
- The retina
- The macula
- Rods and cones
- The Iris
- The pupil
- Optic nerves in both eyes
If any of these parts become damaged, people could suffer visual loss. Sometimes, this is only the loss of vision in one part of the visual field. In other situations, people could lose their visual field entirely. Some people will describe a “curtain” that drops across the front of their eye. Regardless, this is always an emergency. Sometimes, early intervention could help restore someone’s vision.
Risk of Infection: Chemosis
The eyes are at risk of sustaining an infection if a foreign body is lodged in place. Sharp objects, such as shrapnel and glass, could break the surface of the skin. This could expose the tissue to bacteria and viruses that could lead to a severe infection called chemosis. This is visually striking, and some people describe their eye as looking like “hamburger meat.” If someone has chemosis, they will need to have their eye scanned to check for a possible fluid pocket, such as an abscess, that might be hiding underneath. Furthermore, this scan is needed to evaluate the eye. The treatment of chemosis is antibiotics, such as Augmentin.
Assistance from a Lawyer
When someone suffers a serious injury in an auto accident, it could lead to a trip to the hospital. This can place families under a significant amount of stress. There are many different questions that families could have. Families should know where to turn to during stressful times. For help with severe accidents and injuries, reach out to a trained personal injury lawyer in Sacramento.
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Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. Eye trauma can cause serious complications. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Foreign Body in the Eye Following an Auto Accident: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: Unsplash. The image has been reproduced here with permission/ Foreign Body in the Eye Following an Auto Accident.
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