It’s not uncommon for people to suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in a car crash. Even if the head doesn’t strike a hard object, a sudden jolt can cause damage to the brain.
People who suffer a TBI can have a wide range of symptoms. These depend largely on what part of the brain was injured. One common symptom is vision dysfunction.
Examples of TBI-related vision issues
Because a TBI often disrupts the communication between the brain and the eyes, a full 90% of TBI sufferers experience some type of vision loss or other issue. These include:
- Double vision
- Peripheral vision loss
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to motion
- Problems switching between viewing something close-up and in the distance
- Difficulty tracking movement
- Visual memory loss
Visual memory loss is often mistaken for amnesia. That’s because the brain doesn’t remember what they eyes have seen. Sometimes it can seem like short-term memory loss, where someone doesn’t remember what they just read or where they sat a glass down. It can also manifest as not recognizing a familiar person or place.
The healing process can be unpredictable
In most cases, these issues eventually resolve. However, they may require treatment or therapy. It’s wise to see an ophthalmologist if you’re experiencing continued vision issues after suffering a TBI.
Vision dysfunction can affect a person’s ability to work, study, care for their family and much more. As noted, symptoms don’t always show up immediately, and there’s no way of predicting when they’ll go away.
That’s one reason why it’s crucial not to agree to a settlement with an at-fault party’s insurer or directly with them until you know the full extent and cost of your injuries. By getting legal guidance as soon as possible, you can protect your right to fair compensation.