Injuries to eyes can be a result of a variety of incidents to include chemical exposure, direct hits to the eye, foreign bodies, assaults, motor vehicle accidents, contact sports (basketball, football, hockey, etc.), occupational exposure, (lawn work, carpentry, construction) and BB guns to name a few. Eye injuries can range from chemical injury, bruising and swelling and lacerations (cuts) and can involve the eyelid, eyeball or bones and muscles surrounding the eye.

Burn injuries to the eye can be due to an on the chemical, thermal and electrical burns. Burns, especially chemical burns, are a true eye emergency. Exposure to chemicals is greater for persons working as mechanics, chemical workers, and environments. Thermal injuries can result due to exposure to fires, steam, hot smoke/gases, hot liquids, molten metal and cigarette burns. Accident victims involved in a motor vehicle accident in which an airbag was deployed could develop chemical irritation and/or injury to their eyes. This is due to the rapid inflation and release of the airbag. Accident victims with burn injuries to their eyes may complain of a foreign-body sensation, swelling, light sensitivity, impaired vision, and severe pain. Permanent damage to the eye is dependent upon the type of chemical, fire, etc. the eye was exposed to.

Foreign bodies (such as dust, metal, and wood) can enter the eye during both occupational and recreational exposure as a result of hammering, grinding or working overhead. Persons who work with metal, lawn care may have a high risk for foreign bodies in the eye. Metal foreign objects are of particular concern as they can invade the cornea and interfere with vision if not removed. Foreign bodies usually cause redness, tearing and the sensation of a foreign body in the eye. Accident victims may also complain of blurred or decreased vision or pain. Permanent damage to eyesight could result from foreign bodies is the object damages the cornea or lens of the eye.

Eyelid lacerations can result from multiple types of trauma to include motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and/or falls. Lacerations could be simple in nature or more severe and involve muscles and tendons. Accident victims with eye lacerations should be checked for associated eye injuries such as foreign objects. Accident victim’s should also be checked to levator muscle involvement. (This muscle raises the upper eyelid and damage to it could impair this function.) Complications of eye lacerations include wound infections, scars and if the eye is involved, visual changes.

Blunt trauma (direct hit on the eye, for example, being struck with a fist or baseball) to the eye can also cause several eye emergencies. A hyphema, collection of blood in the eye, is one such injury. These injuries result in pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and blood tinged vision. Accident victims may also have “black eye” due to the direct hit on the eye. This type of injury has a risk of rebleeding 3-5 days after the initial injury. When this occurs, the outcomes are poorer.

Always get prompt medical attention for yourself or anyone suffering an eye injury. If you, a friend, or loved one have wrongfully suffer from an eye injury, you ask why, and take immediate steps to protect your or their legal interest. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining accident victims. You can call us at (757) 595-8100 seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.