Blurred Vision After A Car Accident

Colburn Law

Posted in Car Accidents,Personal Injury on August 1, 2020

A car accident can lead to a number of serious injuries, including whiplash, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injury. Some symptoms may occur right away, but others may not manifest until days after the collision.

One symptom that may not appear immediately is blurred vision. If you experience any vision issues after a car accident, you may have a concussion, retinal detachment, or another serious eye or brain injury. Seeking medical attention immediately after the accident and whenever new symptoms appear can help you avoid life-threatening consequences. You may also be eligible for compensation, contact our Seattle car accident lawyers now for more information.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Blurred Vision

Traumatic brain injuries occur when you sustain a blow or jolt to your head, causing damage to the tissue inside. Common types of brain injuries include concussions, diffuse axonal injuries, coup-contrecoup injuries, and hemorrhage.

Many brain injuries lead to swelling, bleeding, and changes in brain function — including damage to the eyes. A traumatic brain injury can cause damage to the nerves that connect your brain and your eyes, leading to vision problems.

Blurred vision can occur immediately or within the hours or days after a brain injury. You might also experience sensitivity to light and sound, a headache, dizziness, and nausea. Without prompt treatment, any injury to the brain can lead to permanent damage, coma, and death.

If you believe you have a traumatic brain injury, seek medical attention immediately.

What Is Retinal Detachment?

Another condition that might lead to blurred vision is retinal detachment. This serious condition occurs when the tissue connected to the back of your eye, known as the retina, moves. As a result, your eyes do not receive the blood and oxygen they need to function, leading to permanent damage and vision loss.

Symptoms of retinal detachment include the following.

• Blurred vision
• A sudden appearance of floaters in your vision
• A reduction in your peripheral vision
• Sudden flashes of light
• Feeling like a curtain is casting a shadow over your vision

With prompt treatment, a doctor can reattach the tissue to the retina or prevent the tissue from detaching from your eye in the first place. If you believe you may be experiencing retinal detachment, visit your doctor as soon as possible.

Can Whiplash Cause Blurred Vision?

Car accidents can often cause whiplash, an injury that occurs when your head snaps forward and backward due to severe impact. Whiplash leads to damage to the soft tissues in your neck, causing pain, stiffness, and a loss of motion.

In addition to the obvious symptoms, whiplash can also lead to blurred vision. This injury can damage the nerves, muscles, and discs in the neck, leading to a wide variety of damage. You might also experience headaches, ringing in the ears, and fatigue after whiplash.

Should You Contact a Lawyer for Blurred Vision?

If you are in an accident in Washington and you develop blurred vision due to a serious injury, contact a personal injury lawyer after seeking medical attention. Blurred vision can impact your life in a number of ways, from being unable to go to work and earn your wages to thousands of dollars in medical expenses.

Filing a car insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit following your accident can help you recover compensation for these damages. Your Bellevue car accident attorney will guide you through the process, helping you understand the compensation you qualify for and gathering evidence to prove your need for a settlement. Speak to your lawyer as soon as possible to begin the filing process.