Falls are common and can affect vision in various ways, from direct eye trauma to indirect effects from brain injuries. Understanding these potential impacts is important for recognizing symptoms and knowing when to seek medical attention.
Direct Eye Injuries
A fall can cause direct physical trauma to the eye or surrounding structures. One injury is an orbital fracture, a break in the bones around the eye socket. These fractures can trap eye muscles, limiting eye movement and potentially causing double vision. A “white-eyed blowout fracture” in children requires prompt repair to prevent complications.
Other direct injuries include corneal abrasions, or scratches on the clear outer surface of the eye, which cause discomfort, pain, and light sensitivity. Hyphema, or blood in the front chamber of the eye, can also occur from blunt trauma. Severe ocular trauma may result in a retinal detachment, where the retina pulls away from its supporting layers. This can happen due to direct impact or jarring forces during a fall.
Brain Injuries and Vision
Falls can lead to brain injuries, such as concussions, which can indirectly affect vision by disrupting the brain’s visual processing centers. Damage to these areas can manifest as various vision problems, sometimes referred to as post-concussion vision syndrome.
Common vision disturbances after a concussion include blurred vision, making it difficult to focus. Double vision can also occur if nerves controlling eye movement are damaged, causing two images of a single object. Light sensitivity is another common symptom, where bright lights cause discomfort or headaches. Individuals may also experience difficulties with eye tracking, making it challenging to follow moving objects or lines of text. Problems with depth perception, visual field deficits, and eye fatigue can also arise, impacting daily activities.
Recognizing Vision Changes
After a fall, observe for any changes in vision, as symptoms can be immediate or delayed. Blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or seeing two images are common signs. Increased sensitivity to light or persistent eye pain and discomfort should also be noted. Any trouble with eye movement, such as difficulty tracking objects or eye misalignment, indicates a need for evaluation.
Changes in behavior, like avoiding reading or drawing, especially in children, can also signal underlying vision problems. If a fall results in symptoms such as repeated vomiting, a worsening headache, fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears, or pupils of unequal sizes, seek emergency medical care. Even if a fall seems minor, if any vision-related symptoms appear, consult an eye doctor or go to an emergency room promptly for diagnosis and to prevent long-term complications.