Retinal Risks After Eye Trauma: Why Even Minor Injuries Matter

Eye injuries can happen at any time and for various reasons. Common causes include sports injuries, workplace hazards, falls, and accidents during household or yard work. Regardless of how minor an eye injury may seem, it can have lasting effects on retinal health. Life doesn’t get any less busy with an eye injury, but seeing a retina specialist as soon as possible can prevent serious, long-term vision issues.
Eye Injuries and the Retina
The retina plays a crucial role in our vision. It takes in the light we see and sends signals to the brain for interpretation. Eye injuries can damage the structures of the eye, damage internal tissues, and otherwise disrupt the retina-brain connection, causing vision loss or even blindness.
A traumatic eye injury can lead to retinal tears or detachments. If left untreated, a tear may develop into a detachment. If a detachment is considered a medical emergency, and if not addressed quickly, it can result in irreversible blindness. Additionally, eye injuries can affect the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for central vision. When an injury causes the vitreous fluid surrounding the macula to shrink and change shape, it can pull on the macula, potentially creating a macular hole or pucker.
Retinal Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Symptoms of a potentially serious eye injury include:
- Pain and swelling
- Eye bleeding
- Vision changes
- Changes in eye appearance
- Obvious eye trauma or deformity
- Flashing lights or floaters
Some eye injuries may not lead to immediate vision problems, which makes it important to see a retina specialist soon after eye trauma. The earlier a retinal condition is diagnosed and treated, the better the vision outcomes will be.
Schedule an Appointment with a Retina Specialist
When it comes to your vision, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Even if you've only had a minor eye injury, it's important to consult with a retina specialist. They'll use advanced diagnostic tools to assess any possible damage to your retina and provide treatment that can protect your vision.
At Vitreoretinal Consultants, we’re proud to be one of the largest retina practices serving patients in Elmhurst, NY, Flushing, NY, Great Neck, NY, Hauppauge, NY, Scarsdale, NY, Riverhead, NY, Rockville Centre, NY, Shirley, NY, New City, NY, and Westbury, NY. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.