Eye Injury
Your eyes are some of the most delicate parts of your body, so when something happens to injure them, the effects can feel immediate and overwhelming. Your vision may become blurry or dark, and both pain and swelling can set in fast. Suddenly, everything you take for granted about your sight can change in seconds.
Eye injuries happen in many ways: car accidents, workplace accidents, falls, and even assaults, but no matter the cause, the experience can be terrifying. Even minor-looking injuries can lead to long-term damage. With that in mind, taking what you feel seriously and seeking medical care immediately is crucial.
Common Types of Eye Injuries
Some eye injuries are obvious, while others are subtle at first but worsen over time. Below are some of the most common types of eye harm that people in Denver experience:
Blunt Trauma
A punch, fall, or flying object can strike the eye and cause damage without breaking the skin. These incidents can lead to injuries such as black eyes, swelling, bleeding inside the eye (called hyphema), or even a detached retina. Victims often feel pain, see flashes of light, or lose part of their vision.
Penetrating Injuries
When something sharp makes contact with and punctures the eye, it can cause devastating harm. Broken glass from a car crash, a nail, or even debris from a construction accident can tear the surface and lodge itself deep inside the eye. These injuries almost always require surgery and can lead to permanent blindness in severe cases.
Chemical Burns
Household cleaners, industrial chemicals, and even gasoline can splash into the eyes, burning the delicate tissues within and clouding one’s vision. Immediate flushing with water is vital, but the damage may progress for hours or even days.
Orbital Fractures
The bones around the eye, known as the orbit, can crack under immense pressure applied via blunt force. Symptoms include double vision, bruising, and a sunken appearance of the eye. These fractures sometimes require surgical repair, especially if they interfere with eye movement.
What People Often Experience After an Eye Injury
The impact of an eye injury doesn’t stop at physical pain. Many people describe the emotional toll as just as heavy. Losing part or all of your vision, even temporarily, can make daily tasks feel impossible. Driving, working, reading, and even recognizing faces all become major struggles.
Pain can also make it hard to sleep or focus. Swelling may keep the eye shut, and light sensitivity can be extreme. Some people feel intense frustration or fear about whether their sight will ever fully return.
Family members and loved ones often notice the changes too. People with serious eye injuries sometimes withdraw from social activities or feel embarrassed about their appearance. These emotional challenges are normal, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Support and patience go a long way during recovery.
Long-Term Consequences of Eye Injuries
While some eye injuries heal completely, others leave lasting effects. Scarring on the cornea, retinal damage, or nerve injuries can all permanently reduce a victim’s vision. And even with treatment, some people can develop cataracts, glaucoma, or other secondary problems later on.
Additionally, injuries that seem minor at first can worsen over time. A small scratch can lead to infection or scarring. And a mild-looking bruise could mask internal bleeding or retinal detachment. It’s for these reasons that regular follow-ups with an eye doctor are crucial, even if you think your condition is improving.
Your work and income can also be affected if you can’t see well enough to perform your job. Some people have no choice but to stop working for a period of time while they heal, and some have to change careers entirely. Adjusting to these changes is understandably difficult, and the financial stress can pile on just as quickly.
Why It’s Important to Take Action After an Eye Injury
The moments and days following an eye injury are often filled with confusion and fear. You might feel as though nobody understands what you’re going through. But you don’t have to face the aftermath of your injury alone.
If someone else’s carelessness caused your injury, such as a reckless driver, a negligent employer, or a property owner who ignored hazards, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Whether the damage to your vision is permanent or temporary, you still deserve support for the struggles you endure. Holding the responsible party accountable will not only help you but also send a message that carelessness has consequences.
Contact a Denver Personal Injury Lawyer at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help
If you’ve suffered an eye injury in Denver, CO, you’re likely feeling a mix of pain, fear, and frustration, but you don’t have to carry that weight alone. The team at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers understands how deeply such an injury can affect your life, physically, emotionally, and financially.
Contact our Denver personal injury lawyers at (720) 613-9706 for a free consultation. A simple conversation can help you understand your options and take the first step toward getting the support you need.
