April 10, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Retinal Detachment Caused by Motor Vehicle Accidents
Article provided by The Law Offices of Mark Kaire, P.A. - visit us online at
http://www.kairelaw.com.
More than 3 million people are injured in car accidents every year and many of those injuries remain permanent. During an automobile accident, the forces of the crash can put pressure on a number of internal organs causing bleeding, pain and chronic disabilities. When the head strikes a blunt object such as a steering wheel or window, a tear or break in the retina can occur. These tears can lead to retinal detachment and if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to the eye and even blindness.
What is Retinal Detachment?
The retina is the light-sensitive portion of the eye that sends messages through the optic nerve to the brain. During an automobile accident, the impact can cause tears in the retina, which leads to a build up of fluid underneath causing detachment. As the retina detaches from the rich blood supply and the optic nerve, vision begins to decrease. When the nerve cells lose complete contact with their blood supply, blindness is the inevitable result.
As the retina detaches, victims may experience a sudden or gradual increase in floating specks in their field of vision. As retinal detachment worsens, many victims complain about severe light flashes that resemble fireworks going off in their eye. Others simply experience a partial or complete loss of vision altogether.
If you experience any abnormal changes in your vision after an automobile accident, it is critical that you seek medical attention immediately. Retinal detachments can be reversed successfully if discovered within the first 24-48 hours. There is a rich network of blood vessels located directly behind the retina that supplies nourishment. Once the retina begins to detach, these nerve cells die off rapidly and irreversible damage occurs. If caught and treated within the first 24-48 hours, the chances of a complete recovery are improved, especially if treated before the macula (the region of the eye that is responsible for fine and detailed vision) detaches.
Types of Treatment
Treatment for retinal detachment varies. Your doctor may choose to tack the detached retina back in place with a laser, or cryogenically freeze small segments of the retina back in place. In some situations, scleral buckling is the preferred method of treatment. In this case, the eye is pushed towards the retina and held in place by a band that wraps around the outside of the eye. If surgery is required, the surgeon will often use a silicone compound to weigh down the unattached retina, or inject an air bubble into the eye to push the retina back in place. In these situations, the patient may need to remain immobile for several weeks while the retina heals.
Although treatments may vary, the results are miraculous. If treated promptly in the first 24-48 hours, effects from retinal detachment can be completely reversed and the patient may not lose any of his or her vision. If untreated, retinal detachment can quickly lead to blindness and may even require the removal of the injured eye. Therefore, if symptoms of retinal detachment become apparent, it is important to contact an ophthalmologist immediately.
Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney in Your Area
If you have lost vision in your eye after an automobile accident, you should contact a personal injury attorney without delay. You may be entitled to compensation for pain, lost income and medical bills that have resulted due to your retinal detachment. Unfortunately, loss of vision may only be one of the complications that results after an automobile accident. Victims may be unable to participate in beloved hobbies, or they may lose the ability to perform daily activities with ease. Even routine tasks such as driving a car may become more challenging. In addition, some victims may even lose the ability to perform their jobs appropriately, and may be forced to change careers or professions.
With modern technology, over 90% of those with retinal detachment can be successfully treated. If you are injured in an automobile accident and notice any changes in your vision, seek medical attention immediately and contact an attorney. Your attorney will fight for your rights, so you can focus your attention on recovery and getting back to the life you love.
In case of emergency, you can reach attorney Mark Kaire himself at any time - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just call toll-free at 866-752-1952.
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