A lot of eye and vision problems are caused by trauma to the eyes or any of its parts. Eye care professionals often check for obvious signs of an eye injury before jumping to any conclusions; however, when trauma to the eye isn’t apparent and the condition isn’t hereditary or caused by a disease or infection, then there’s a big possibility that the eye problem is caused by a trauma to the head or other forms of injury to the brain.
It is important to also see an optometrist or ophthalmologist after experiencing even just a minor head trauma. Sustaining injuries as mild as a concussion and whiplash, or as severe as a blow to the head can cause blurry vision or problems focusing. These may be symptoms of bigger, more severe eye injuries such as a detached retina or hemorrhage of the vitreous humor or optic nerves.
Detached Retina. The retina is a thin tissue that basically converts light and images into electrical signals that the brain will understand. Head injuries can result in blood flooding into the retina and loosening it or completely detaching it from its place. When the retina is detached, it can only be repaired and reattached through surgery. It is very important for someone with a detached retina to seek medical treatment right away to prevent blindness.
Vitreous Hemorrhage. The vitreous humor is the transparent, gelatin-like substance in the eyes. It helps bend and refract light before it hits the retina. When blood vessels bleed into this part of the eyes, it impairs and blurs a person’s vision. This condition is temporary in most cases as the vitreous hemorrhage clears up on its own over time; however, the healing process may be sped up and complications may be avoided by taking certain medications.
Optic Nerve Hemorrhage. The optic nerves serve as the messenger that transmits the electrical signals from the retina to the brain. In cases of head injuries that affects the optic nerves, blood circulation to these nerves may be cut off. Severe damage to the optic nerves can cause permanent and complete blindness, so it’s important to seek medical attention right away to remove the pressure from the optic nerves and let the blood circulate properly again.
Damage caused by trauma or injury to the eye can be easily treated and the effects can be corrected through prescription glasses and contact lenses. On the other hand, eye and vision problems caused by trauma or injury to the brain can cause some serious and long term damage to one’s vision. Unlike eye trauma, head injuries are harder to determine and doctors may need to the help of magnetic resonance imaging and other tools to properly diagnose the problem. This is why it is important to always seek medical attention after head trauma, even if it is a mild one.
