If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car crash or other event, you may expect to have some blurred vision or sensitivity to light and motion for a time. A TBI can disrupt brain-eye communication. In fact, a full 90% of people who suffer a TBI experience vision dysfunction of some type in the aftermath.
Generally, this dysfunction is fairly mild and goes away as the injury heals. In other cases, however, it’s more serious and requires treatment or therapy.
How does a brain injury affect vision?
In addition to the examples of blurred vision and light and motion sensitivity, other vision impairments can include:
- Double vision
- Difficulty tracking movement
- Peripheral vision loss
- Visual memory loss (not remembering what you just saw or read)
- Trouble moving between looking at something close-up and far away
One or more of these can make it difficult, if not impossible, to drive, work, study and do many of the things we take for granted and that are necessary.
These symptoms don’t always appear immediately after an injury. Sometimes, even if they do, a person may not notice them if they’ve got more serious injuries. It’s important if you’re suffering any vision problems – even mild ones – to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible in addition to the doctor who diagnosed and is treating your TBI.
If you’ve suffered a TBI, it may be difficult to know the full extent and severity of your injuries for some time. That’s one reason why it’s important not to accept a settlement from an at-fault party or their insurer until you know what kind of expenses and damages you’ll have. With experienced legal guidance, you can protect your right to fair compensation.
