In the aftermath of a car accident, some injuries will be apparent immediately, while others may not appear for hours or days. One symptom that commonly happens after a period of time is blurred vision. Even if it has been days since your accident, blurred vision and headaches after a car accident should be taken seriously as it can indicate severe injuries. Vision that is blurred, even temporarily, should be reported to your medical team quickly so that the cause can be determined and treated.
Blurred Vision and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
One of the first concerns when vision is blurred is that it is being caused by a traumatic brain injury, particularly a concussion. An accident puts your brain at risk in a number of ways: it can hit a hard surface like a window or dashboard, or the jerking back and forth motion caused by the impact can jostle the brain, causing it to hit the skull. In these cases, brain tissue can move and bounce within the skull, leading to damaged tissue or chemical changes, all of which are potential effects of a concussion.
A concussion can have a number of symptoms, ranging from blurred vision to headaches after a car accident. Dizziness, confusion and disorientation, trouble balancing, nausea, vomiting, and trouble concentrating can all be signs of a concussion as well. In addition to vision blurring, a concussion can lead to other eye problems as well, like double vision.
Concussions are considered a mild brain injury, but still require monitoring and care from a doctor. Most symptoms are resolved with rest, including blurred vision. Often, this period of rest includes no television or other screens to allow the brain and eyes to heal.
Retinal Detachment and Corneal Abrasions
Another common cause of blurred vision after an accident is retinal detachment, particularly if one or both eyes experienced a blow during the event. This occurs when the layer of tissue on the back of the eye moves away from its normal position. Without proper care, this can lead to permanent vision loss and should be treated seriously.
Other symptoms of retinal detachment include flashes of light or “floaters” in your field of vision, a slow reduction in peripheral vision, or a sudden perception of shadows over your field of vision. These are all signs that the retina is being deprived of blood and oxygen and the condition may be worsening. When caught early, surgical repair can save your vision.
When the eye experiences direct impact, you can also experience an abrasion to the cornea, which is the clear covering that protects your iris and pupil. A scratch to this can be painful and irritating, and lead to blurred vision and sensitivity to light. In severe cases, the abrasion can create scar tissue that needs to be removed surgically. If you are experiencing eye pain, it is good to have it evaluated quickly to prevent the condition from worsening.
Can Whiplash Cause Blurred Vision?
Whiplash is one of the most common reasons for a number of symptoms, including headaches after a car accident. Though the damage of whiplash is done to the soft tissues in the neck and shoulders, the sharp movement that causes this damage can also cause issues in the brain that lead to symptoms like blurred vision, in addition to headaches and pain or stiffness.
Blurred vision that accompanies whiplash symptoms can be a sign that the whiplash was severe or impacted the brain and head as well.
Addressing Blurred Vision
Experiencing blurred vision can be scary, especially if it occurs days after your car accident. You may need to take a moment to readjust your vision to prevent dizziness if you are overcome with blurry vision. Even if the blurriness subsides, you should seek medical care after this experience. You may need to ask a loved one to drive you to an appointment if your vision is impacting your ability to drive safely.
Once you share your vision symptoms with a provider, they will be able to perform evaluations and scans that determine what may be contributing to your blurred vision. If you are seeing a doctor for other injuries, make sure to discuss your vision with them. Most eye-related injuries can be treated without permanent damage to your vision, but leaving injuries untreated can lead to more chronic issues over time. It is always the safest choice to mention your blurred vision to your doctor and determine if you need medical care.
