The eye is a deceptive organ. While the bruising on your eyelid fades in a week, the hit from that impact travels deeper. It moves through the vitreous gel and tugs at the retina. This is the retina risk most people ignore until it is too late.
At AKIO, our retina specialist in Delhi see this delay every day.
Why Does Eye Injury Increase the Risk of Retinal Diseases?
To understand the risk, you have to understand the science behind it. Here is where the trouble starts.
Inside your eye is the vitreous humour, a clear gel that is attached to the retina at thousands of tiny anchor points. When the eye wall stretches, the gel lags. It sloshes violently. This creates a pulling force on the retina. Usually, the retina stretches and bounces back. But sometimes, the force is too sudden. The gel rips a hole in the “retina.”
A small tear may not affect anything in any corner of your eye till fluid seeps underneath. After Weeks, that fluid lifts the retina off the wall like a bubble under a screen protector.
Which Retinal Diseases May Be Linked to Eye Injury?
Here are the specific conditions we look for.
- Commotio Retinae (The “Eye Concussion”)
Doctors call it Berlin’s Oedema. In mild cases, your vision might just be slightly blurry. In critical cases, you might experience a significant “blackout” in that area. The good news is that it often heals on its own. The bad news: it weakens the tissue permanently.
- Retinal Tear and Detachment
As mentioned, this is the ultimate retina risk. It requires surgery, usually a vitrectomy or scleral buckle. There are no eye drops for this. The only cure is retinal surgery.
- Traumatic Macular Hole
The macula is the bullseye of your eye, responsible for your sharp, central vision. Sometimes, the impact force travels straight to the centre and punches a hole right through it.
- Choroidal Rupture
The impact splits the blood vessel layer underneath the retina. While the retina itself might stay intact, the scar tissue formed by this crack can destroy vision later on.
What precautions should be taken for the Eye after an Eye Injury?
You cannot undo the impact, but you can control the damage.
- If something Chemical splashes into the eye, flush it immediately under a steady stream of water for 15 minutes straight; do not stop early.
- Gently place a cold compress over the eye to reduce swelling, but never press down on the lid.
- Avoid applying any pressure or rubbing the eye, as this can worsen the injury.
- Don’t “wait and see”; schedule an emergency exam immediately.
- Attend every follow-up appointment even if the pain stops, to catch “silent” retinal tears before they detach.
Read More: Why You Need a Retina Specialist for Cataract Surgery – Cataract + Retina Issues Together
Schedule an Appointment at AKIO with the Best Retina Specialist in Delhi
This is the exact reason why waiting is a risk you shouldn’t take. You need to get an eye exam as soon as possible. For those based in Delhi, you can book an appointment at the AK Institute of Ophthalmology (AKIO).
We are known for complex eye injury cases.
- Padma Shri Dr Atul Kumar brings over 41 years of experience. As the pioneer of 3D micro-incision retina surgery in India, he specialises in repairing damage that other surgeons consider inoperable.
- Dr Aman Kumar, a Gold Medallist known for his patient-centric approach, ensures that even the smallest “silent” tear is laser-barricaded before it becomes a blinding detachment. So, book an eye examination appointment today if you are having discomfort in your eye.
Final Words
Do not wait for your eye injury to heal and recover all by yourself. The cost of a missed eye diagnosis is simply too high. Whether it’s a quick scan or a complex surgery, at AKIO, you’re in safe hands.
FAQ's
Eye injuries significantly increase the risk of “delayed” blindness. Includes Traumatic Glaucoma (damage to the drainage angle), Traumatic Cataract (clouding of the lens), and Retinal Detachment.
Yes. This shockwave tugs on the retina, potentially ripping it loose. If you have high myopia (nearsightedness), your risk doubles.
Pain is a poor indicator. Look for visual changes. If you see flashing lights (lightning bolts), a sudden shower of new floaters, or a “curtain” blocking your side vision, you have a retinal emergency.
A simple corneal damage heals in 24-48 hours. A “black eye” (bruising) takes 2-3 weeks. However, internal retinal damage has no timeline. A tear can develop weeks later, which is why a dilated exam at a retina specialist in Delhi is important, even if you feel fine.
