What is a Scleral Rupture?
One of the parts of the eye is called the sclera, and it could be ruptured in an accident. A scleral rupture can disrupt the integrity of the eye and make it difficult to see. The eyes depend on all of the various structures properly performing their functions to produce quality images. A few of the many structures of the eye include the:
- Pupil: The pupil changes its size to filter light appropriately, allowing people to see.
- Bone: The bones of the eye provide structure to the globe itself.
- Optic Nerves: The optic nerves power the pupil and the muscles, allowing individuals to look in different directions.
- Cornea: The cornea helps to focus the incoming light on the appropriate location behind the eye.
- Sclera: The role of the sclera is to protect the eye.
The sclera is the white of the eye. This fibrous band protects the eye from damage. In some cases, the sclera could become ruptured, leading to a medical emergency.
How Does a Scleral Rupture Happen?
A scleral rupture typically occurs during a traumatic accident. Some of the most common mechanisms of a fractured sclera include:
- Blunt force trauma to the side of the head or the eye during a motorcycle accident or a bicycle accident.
- A penetrating injury of the eye that might occur during a car accident.
- Being involved in a physical assault.
Some of the symptoms of a scleral rupture include:
- Images that appear blurry
- Double vision
- Shrinking visual fields
- The sensation of blackness developing over the eyes
- Severe bleeding of the eyes
- A pupil that appears elliptical or teardrop in shape
Depending on the severity of the injury, some people may have a few or all of the symptoms above. Once a scleral rupture has been diagnosed, treatment can begin.
What is the Treatment of a Scleral Rupture?
If an individual has been diagnosed with a rupture of the sclera, this is a medical emergency. Some of the first tasks that a medical professional might perform include:
- Taking steps to reduce the pressure behind the eye, such as elevating the head of the bed.
- Placing a protective covering over the eye.
- Using medications to lower the blood pressure to the eyes.
An experienced eye surgeon could take the individual to the operating room and repair the rupture. Some people might make a full recovery while others could suffer permanent visual loss.
Contacting an Auto Accident Lawyer
If an individual sustained a severe injury to the eye, he or she might require emergent surgical repair. This could place the entire family under a tremendous amount of stress. They might have questions about the accident, the injury, and its associated complications. For this reason, it is essential for families to meet with a Sacramento personal injury lawyer following a severe injury. Some of the assistance that an experienced injury lawyer could provide include:
- Pursuing damages related to the accident, the injury, and any complications.
- Reviewing the records of the accident, ensuring that all details have been considered.
- Transitioning a case to trial when required.
Guidance from a trained professional could be helpful during the recovery process. Meet with a Sacramento personal injury lawyer to learn more. You might be entitled to a financial reward.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. A rupture of the sclera of the eye could lead to blindness if it is not addressed quickly. If your family member has needed emergency eye surgery after a traumatic accident, please give me a call at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and of the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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