Motorcycle Accident Retinal Detachment
Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation. Many people ride motorcycles because of the feeling of freedom that they provide. On the other hand, it is also vital for everyone to make sure that they wear a helmet at all times because motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries. Some of the statistics on motorcycle accidents that have been published by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA)include:
- About 5,000 people were killed in motorcycle accidents in 2012.
- Close to 100,000 people were injured in motorcycle accidents this year.
- Motorcycle accidents account for between 10 and 15 percent of all motor vehicle accident fatalities during an average year.
- More than a quarter of people killed in motorcycle accidents are impaired by alcohol.
These statistics show just how dangerous motorcycles can be. It is essential to understand the various injuries which may accompany a motorcycle accident. One of these is called a retinal detachment.
What is a Retinal Detachment?
A retinal detachment is a serious injury that can make it difficult for someone to see. The role of the retina is to receive light from the outside world, process it, and project it back towards the brain so that the person can interpret the image. Over time, the retina can start to have trouble functioning. While this can happen naturally with age, traumatic injuries to the retina are particularly severe. A retinal detachment occurs when the retina somehow pulls away from its typical anatomic location at the back of the eye. This causes the thin cells of the retina to separate from the blood vessels that typically provide oxygen and nutrients to the retina. There are several different symptoms that an individual might notice if they suffer a retinal detachment, which includes:
- The appearance of numerous “floaters” or thin strands of tissue that appear to cross the field of vision.
- Flashing lights that obscure the visual field.
- A blurring of the visual field.
- The feeling of a “curtain” being pulled across the eye.
If a retinal detachment occurs, this is a surgical emergency that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. An ophthalmologist needs to reattach the retina before the cells starve to death without their supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Mechanism of a Retinal Detachment in a Motorcycle Accident
When someone is involved in a motorcycle accident, helmets can protect the head and neck area from serious injury. Unfortunately, many people do not wear their helmet, and the statistics published by the NHTSA show that people in states without universal helmet laws are far less likely to wear a helmet than people who ride motorcycles in states with these laws. An impact to the head or neck area can lead to the sudden detachment of the retina from the back of the eye. Even if a small corner detaches, the vitreous humor (liquid) of the eye starts to fill the space, separating the retina from the back of the eye. This can lead to the symptoms described above.
Help from a Lawyer
Injuries of the eyes can be serious, and some of the complications that they cause can be permanent. If someone suffers a retinal detachment, it is possible that he or she could lose the ability to see out of that eye. When this happens, this can lead to severe issues related to depth perception that can have significant impacts on someone’s quality of life. Because of this, it is essential for anyone who is involved in a severe accident to meet with a motorcycle accident attorney in Sacramento. The accident needs to be examined closely because you and your loved ones could be entitled to financial compensation.
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Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney. A motorcycle accident can cause severe injuries to the eyes. 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.
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Motorcycle Accident Retinal Detachment: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The photo at the start of this article is seen in its original form on Unsplash. The image has been reproduced here with permission/ Motorcycle Accident Retinal Detachment.
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