Eye and vision changes after a car crash: what to watch for
An ophthalmologist on eye injuries and vision symptoms that need fast care
A bruised eyelid after a crash is easy to spot. It can also pull your attention away from a change deeper inside the eye. An ophthalmologist, a doctor who treats eye injury and disease, will ask what hit your eye. You’ll also be asked how well you saw before the crash and exactly what is different now. Eye pain, blurry vision and new spots or flashes each point to something different. Describe each one clearly instead of assuming it will fade. [1, 2]
Signs that call for eye care right away
Get emergency care or see an eye doctor urgently after a hard blow to the eye. Do the same for new blurring or loss of vision, intense eye pain, heavy redness or something stuck in the eye. A sudden burst of floaters, flashes of light or a dark curtain across your view can signal a retina problem. The retina may be torn or detached. Either one needs an urgent exam. Don’t drive yourself if you can’t see well. [1, 2]
If a chemical splashes into your eye, start rinsing it with water at once. Then get emergency care. Don’t rub the eye. If something is lodged in it, don’t pull it out or press on it. Let your care team know if an air bag, broken glass or a chemical was part of the crash. [3]
Put what you see into words
If it feels comfortable and safe, cover one eye and then the other. Is your view less clear in one eye? Look for double images, blank patches, sensitivity to light, drifting spots or flashes. Write down when each symptom started and whether it stays the same or shifts. Bring your regular glasses and any history of eye problems to the visit. The doctor may need to check your vision, your pupils and the inside of your eye. [1, 2]
Hitting your head can also affect visual comfort or coordination. Tell your eye doctor about new trouble reading, double vision or dizziness. Tell the doctor treating your concussion too. Ask the two of them to agree on who will keep track of that symptom. An eyelid that looks normal does not rule out a problem that needs an eye exam. [1, 2]
Leave the visit with a clear plan
Before you go, ask what the exam showed and what is still unclear. Find out if you need a dilated eye exam or another visit. Ask when you can safely drive, work on screens or wear contact lenses. If a vision symptom changes after the visit, contact the team treating you without delay. [1, 2]
- Which eye injuries have been ruled out, and what still needs a check?
- What new symptom means I should get emergency care?
- Who will look into a vision problem that doesn’t go away?
Sum up the change in one sentence
Sources and further reading
- 1National Eye Institute corneal conditions and injury
- 2National Eye Institute floaters and retinal warning signs
- 3National Eye Institute eye first aid
These tips come from an ophthalmology viewpoint and are for general education only. Any new change in vision or serious eye injury needs a prompt exam in person. Don’t use this article to diagnose an eye problem.
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