Common Causes of Vision Loss From Personal Injury
When vision is impaired or lost due to a personal injury, the impact can be profound, often leading to significant emotional, physical, and financial consequences. Such vision loss can result from various types of accidents, including car crashes, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, and assaults.
As reliable personal injury attorneys serving Chicago, Illinois, Stiberth, we at Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC can provide a wealth of information about the common causes of vision loss.
Let’s explore the common causes of vision loss related to personal injury, the implications of these injuries, and the importance of seeking legal support if you or a loved one has experienced vision loss due to someone else’s negligence.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs are a significant cause of vision loss in personal injury cases. Since the brain processes visual information, damage to critical areas such as the occipital lobe or optic nerve can impair or eliminate vision.
TBIs often occur from events such as car accidents, falls, or assaults. When the head experiences significant force, the resulting brain injury can lead to vision disturbances. The optic nerve may also be damaged during a head injury, affecting the ability to transmit visual information from the eyes to the brain. In addition, increased intracranial pressure from swelling or bleeding in the brain can press on visual structures, resulting in vision loss.
In some cases, vision loss from a TBI may be temporary, but in others, it can be permanent, requiring ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. Patients may experience a range of visual impairments, from blurriness and double vision to complete blindness.
These conditions can significantly impact quality of life, limiting a person's ability to perform daily tasks, work, or drive. Early diagnosis and treatment, such as vision therapy or surgery, are crucial in mitigating the effects of TBI-related vision loss, but the extent of recovery often depends on the severity of the injury and timely intervention.
2. Eye Injuries
Direct trauma to the eyes is another major cause of vision loss. Eye injuries may occur from blunt force trauma, sharp objects penetrating the eye, or exposure to harmful chemicals, leading to temporary or permanent vision loss.
Blunt trauma can result from being hit in the face with an object like a fist, ball, or other item, causing swelling, bleeding, or detachment of the retina. Penetrating injuries from sharp objects, such as broken glass or metal shards, can cause severe damage to the cornea, retina, or optic nerve.
Chemical exposure, such as acid or hazardous cleaning agents, can burn the eyes and cause corneal scarring or blindness. Thermal burns from fires or explosions can also damage delicate eye tissues, leading to vision loss.
3. Medical Malpractice and Surgical Errors
Vision loss can also result from medical malpractice, particularly during surgical procedures, misdiagnoses, or improper treatment. Eye surgeries, anesthesia complications, and delayed diagnosis of eye conditions can all lead to permanent damage to a patient's vision.
Common Medical Malpractice Scenarios:
Surgical Errors: Procedures such as cataract surgery, LASIK, or retinal surgery carry risks, and errors made by the surgeon during these operations can cause permanent vision loss. Mistakes might include incorrect incisions, nerve damage, or the introduction of infections.
Anesthesia Complications: Anesthesia errors during surgery can lead to a lack of blood flow to the optic nerve, a condition known as ischemic optic neuropathy, which can cause blindness.
Delayed Diagnosis of Eye Conditions: Failing to diagnose or treat conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy in a timely manner can lead to irreversible vision damage.
Incorrect Medication: Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage, particularly in patients with pre-existing eye conditions, can worsen the condition and cause vision impairment. For instance, certain medications can increase intraocular pressure, leading to glaucoma.
In addition to these common scenarios, poor post-operative care can also contribute to vision loss due to medical malpractice. For example, failing to properly monitor a patient’s recovery or address complications, such as infections or abnormal swelling, can lead to preventable damage to the eyes.
Moreover, inadequate communication between healthcare providers can result in missed symptoms or incorrect treatments, exacerbating the patient’s condition. In such cases, patients may suffer from a range of long-term visual impairments, and the resulting disabilities can severely impact their independence and overall well-being.
4. Occupational Hazards and Toxic Exposure
Certain jobs pose significant risks for eye injuries and vision loss, particularly in industries involving chemicals, machinery, and hazardous materials. Workers in construction, manufacturing, and other industrial sectors are often at risk of exposure to substances or environments that can cause serious damage to their eyes.
For example, toxic chemical exposure can lead to severe burns or irritation of the eyes. Employees in industries like manufacturing and construction may face injury from sharp debris, sparks, or other materials striking the eyes. Repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as in welding, can cause long-term damage to the eyes and result in vision problems.
Occupations With High Risk of Eye Injury:
Construction and manufacturing jobs with heavy machinery and debris
Chemical plants where workers handle toxic substances
Welding and electrical work that involves exposure to UV light
Laboratory work that involves handling dangerous chemicals or biological materials
Preventive Measures to Reduce Occupational Eye Injuries:
Wear safety goggles or face shields when working with chemicals or machinery.
Follow proper protocols for handling hazardous substances.
Provide adequate training for workers in high-risk environments.
Take breaks to avoid eye strain, especially when working with screens or detailed tasks.
5. Assaults and Physical Violence
Acts of violence and physical assaults can lead to serious injuries, including vision loss. When someone is physically attacked, blows to the face or head can cause direct trauma to the eyes or brain, leading to partial or complete blindness.
Common Types of Assault-Related Eye Injuries:
Blunt Force Trauma: Being struck in the eye or face during an attack can cause the eye to rupture, bleed, or detach the retina, leading to partial or complete blindness.
Penetrating Injuries: Sharp objects, such as knives, broken glass, or the sharp bite of a dog's jaw can penetrate the eye and cause irreparable damage.
Head Trauma: Violent blows to the head can result in concussions or traumatic brain injuries that affect vision.
6. Explosions and Fires
Explosions and fires are particularly dangerous events that can cause significant damage to the eyes. The intense heat, flying debris, and toxic substances released during explosions can severely injure the eyes, leading to blindness or long-term vision impairment.
Thermal burns caused by exposure to fire or extreme heat can scar the surface of the eyes, affecting the cornea and leading to vision problems. Explosions often generate debris, such as metal or glass shards, which can penetrate the eyes and cause extensive damage. Additionally, chemicals released during these incidents may lead to chemical burns in the eyes.
Contact Us Today
Vision loss resulting from personal injury can severely alter one’s quality of life, often requiring ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and adjustments to everyday routines.
Whether the loss of sight is caused by traumatic brain injuries, direct trauma to the eyes, medical malpractice, or workplace accidents, it's critical to seek legal assistance by calling the attorneys at Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC. Give us a call today to get started with a free consultation.