Can Airbags Cause Eye Problems?
Airbags can cause eye problems when they deploy during a car accident. Even though airbags are designed to protect people from serious head and chest injuries, the force and chemicals released during deployment can hurt the eyes. Some common eye problems include corneal scratches, bruises, bleeding inside the eye, and even nerve or retinal damage.
Eye injuries may happen right away or may show up hours or days after the accident. Anyone who feels eye pain, irritation, or has changes in vision after an airbag goes off should get medical help quickly. Drivers and passengers may not realize that the safety device meant to protect them can also be a risk to their vision.
Understanding How Airbags Work
Airbags are designed to protect people during motor vehicle accidents, but they operate with a force that can sometimes cause injuries. To understand airbag risks, it helps to know how they work and why they are used in cars.
Airbag Deployment and Energy Dynamics
Airbags are built into cars and are hidden within the steering wheel, dashboard, or other areas.
During a car accident, sensors detect a collision and trigger the airbag system. The airbag inflates quickly—often within 0.03 seconds—by a chemical reaction that releases gas. This rapid fill is needed to cushion the impact.
The speed and pressure of deployment are high. This force prevents a person’s head or chest from hitting hard surfaces, but it can cause injuries if the airbag fabric or released dust comes in contact with the eyes or face.
People sitting too close to the airbag or not wearing a seatbelt are at greater risk. Deployment energy is especially strong for those in the front seat, increasing the chance of eye or facial injuries.
Airbags as a Safety Feature
Airbags are a key safety feature in most modern cars and help save lives during auto accidents. They work best when used with seatbelts, which keep people in the right position for protection.
According to safety groups, airbags have reduced fatalities in front-end collisions by about 30%. They stop main injuries by spreading out the force of the crash over the head and upper body.
Still, airbags are designed to balance injury risk with life-saving benefits. While some minor injuries like abrasions or dust irritation can occur, the main goal is to prevent severe harm or death in a crash.
People who use proper seating positions and seatbelts are less likely to have problems with airbag deployment. Instructions in the car manual often explain how to sit safely and reduce risks linked to airbags.
Types of Eye Injuries Caused by Airbags
Airbag deployment during a car accident can cause several types of eye injuries. These include trauma from blunt force, chemical irritation, scratches to the surface of the eye, and even cuts or punctures.
Blunt Trauma to the Eyes
Blunt trauma is one of the most common airbag injuries to the eyes. The rapid deployment of the airbag can cause the forceful impact of the bag against the face, leading to injuries such as swollen eyelids, bruising, or orbital fractures.
The eyes may also be affected by changes in pressure, which can bruise or damage the delicate tissues inside the eye. In more serious cases, the sharp force can lead to retinal detachment or internal bleeding. This kind of ocular trauma often needs immediate medical attention since it may result in vision loss if left untreated.
Chemical Burns from Airbags
Chemical burns are less frequent but can be very serious. Airbags contain chemicals like sodium azide, and the powder released during deployment can contact the eyes, causing irritation. This powder may feel gritty and cause burning, redness, and tearing.
If the chemicals get into the eye, it can cause surface damage or even burn the cornea. Quick rinsing with clean water is important to limit the harm. Severe chemical burns can affect vision and may require long-term care from an eye doctor.
Corneal Abrasions
Corneal abrasions are scratches to the clear front part of the eye, known as the cornea. They can happen when airbag dust or debris hits the eye during deployment. Common symptoms include pain, watery eyes, light sensitivity, and a feeling like something is stuck in the eye.
A corneal abrasion can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Most cases heal within a few days with proper care, but deeper or untreated abrasions may lead to infection or scarring that affects vision. Early treatment is important to prevent complications.
Penetrating and Lacerating Injuries
Penetrating or lacerating injuries are less common but very serious types of ocular injuries from airbags. These can occur if broken glasses, hard debris, or sharp materials are pushed into the eye during the collision. Lacerations can involve the eyelids, cornea, or the eye itself.
These injuries need immediate emergency care to help protect vision. Deep cuts or punctures may damage internal structures of the eye, sometimes leading to permanent vision loss or the need for surgery. Even small lacerations can let bacteria enter, increasing the risk of infection or other complications.
Serious Complications and Vision Problems
Airbags can cause injuries to the eye that lead to lasting vision problems if not treated quickly. Blunt force, chemical exposure, and rapid movement can result in several specific complications for eye health.
Retinal Detachment and Vitreous Hemorrhage
Retinal detachment happens when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Airbag deployment can cause blunt trauma that increases the risk of this severe issue. Symptoms may include flashes of light, floaters, or a shadow over part of the vision.
Vitreous hemorrhage refers to bleeding into the gel-like substance that fills the eye. This can happen if blood vessels tear from the force of the airbag. It can cause sudden vision changes like dark spots or blurry vision.
Both of these conditions require urgent medical attention. Delays can lead to permanent loss of vision. Surgical treatment may be needed to repair the damage.
Traumatic Cataract and Cataracts
Trauma from an airbag can damage the lens of the eye, resulting in a traumatic cataract. This is when the normally clear lens becomes cloudy after an injury. Cataracts can develop soon after the accident or take months to appear.
Common symptoms include blurry vision, glare, and trouble seeing at night. The risk is higher if the impact is strong or if chemical dust from the airbag touches the eye.
Table: Symptoms of Traumatic Cataract
| Symptom | Description |
| Blurred Vision | Cloudiness in central vision |
| Glare | Sensitivity to bright lights |
| Double Vision | Seeing two images |
Most traumatic cataracts need surgery to restore clear vision.
Hyphema and Hyphemas
A hyphema is when blood gathers in the front chamber of the eye, usually from blunt injury. Airbags can hit the eye hard enough to cause blood vessels to burst inside the eye.
Symptoms include pain, eye redness, and a visible red level in the lower part of the iris. There might be decreased vision, which can be temporary or lasting if not treated.
Complications from hyphemas include increased pressure inside the eye (glaucoma) and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss. Treatment may include bed rest, eye drops, or surgery.
Double Vision and Visual Acuity Issues
Airbag injuries may cause bones around the eye (the orbit) to fracture. When this happens, the muscles that control eye movement can be affected, leading to double vision. This is when a person sees two images instead of one.
Temporary double vision may happen right after an injury, but if muscles or nerves are damaged, it can become permanent. Visual acuity, or how clearly a person can see, may drop if the retina or cornea is damaged in the crash.
Immediate evaluation by an eye doctor is important. Some cases may improve with time, while others need surgery or special glasses to help restore vision quality.
Other Physical Symptoms Following Airbag-Related Eye Trauma
Airbag-related eye injuries do not just affect vision. They can also lead to pain, discomfort, facial bruising, and other noticeable changes.
Pain, Redness, and Swelling
After an airbag deploys, pain around the eyes is very common. This pain can be sharp or throbbing and may worsen with blinking or movement. In many cases, the force of the airbag causes the surface of the eye or eyelids to become irritated.
Redness of the eyes and surrounding skin often appears soon after the impact. This may result from burst blood vessels or irritation due to airbag dust or debris.
Swelling around the eyes and eyelids is also frequent. The swelling can make it hard to open the eyes completely. Applying a cool compress may help reduce swelling, but a doctor should evaluate more intense or persistent symptoms.
Sensitivity to Light and Blurred Vision
Eye trauma from an airbag can cause sensitivity to light (photophobia). People may find it uncomfortable or even painful to look at bright lights, computer screens, or go outside on sunny days. This is often a sign that the cornea or the surface of the eye has been scratched or irritated.
Blurred vision may also occur. This could be temporary from swelling, or it may signal a deeper injury like a scratched cornea or damage to the retina. If vision does not return to normal after a few hours, or if blurriness gets worse, an eye doctor should be contacted right away.
People might also see floating spots, flashes, or have trouble focusing. These symptoms are important to mention to a healthcare provider as they can indicate more serious injuries.
Black Eye, Scarring, and Facial Injuries
A black eye is often seen after airbag deployment. The force can break small blood vessels near the eyes, leading to bruising and discoloration around the eyelids and cheekbone. Bruising usually fades in about one to two weeks.
Scarring can occur if the skin or eye tissues are cut during the accident. This sometimes happens if eyeglasses break, or if the airbag causes a deep scratch. Most minor scars will fade, but deeper scars may require medical attention.
Facial injuries beyond the eye area are also possible. The nose, cheeks, or forehead can suffer abrasions, cuts, or swelling from direct contact with the airbag. Most of these injuries are mild, but some may need stitches or other treatment if more severe.
Other Associated Injuries and Complications
Airbag deployment can cause more than eye injuries. Impact to the face, exposure to chemicals, and the forceful inflation itself may lead to a range of health problems.
Orbital Fractures and Nerve Damage
Orbital fractures may occur when the airbag hits the bones around the eyes. The force of an airbag can reach speeds up to 200 miles per hour. This impact is strong enough to break the orbital rim or floor.
These fractures can lead to pain, swelling, and bruising around the eyes. Sometimes, the injury damages the nerves that control eye movement or feeling in the cheek and forehead.
Signs of nerve damage include:
- Numbness or tingling in the face
- Difficulty moving the eye
- Double vision
In rare cases, damage to the optic nerve can cause permanent vision loss. Immediate medical care is needed if orbital fractures or nerve injuries are suspected.
Burns and Chemical Keratitis
Airbags use chemicals that may cause burns or irritation. When an airbag deploys, it releases heat and sometimes small particles onto the skin and eyes. People often report burns around the eyes and on the face.
Chemical keratitis happens if the chemicals, like sodium hydroxide, contact the surface of the eye. This can cause pain, redness, tearing, or blurry vision.
If not washed out quickly, chemical injuries can damage the cornea and lead to infection or scarring. Fast rinsing with clean water is very important. Some cases may need treatment by an eye doctor to prevent permanent vision problems.
Internal Bleeding and Lung Injuries
The strong force of an airbag can push against the chest, leading to internal injuries. Internal bleeding may occur if blood vessels are damaged during the impact.
Lung injuries such as bruising or even a collapsed lung are also possible with high-speed crashes. These injuries often cause chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood.
Although not as common as eye injuries, these complications can be serious. Quick assessment at a hospital is advised if breathing problems or chest pain develop after an accident involving airbag deployment.
Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Medical Expenses
Treatment after an airbag-related eye injury often includes pain management, medical care, and long-term monitoring of vision. Costs can add up quickly, especially if rehabilitation or surgery is needed.
Managing Pain and Vision Loss
People with eye injuries from airbags may feel pain, dryness, or a gritty feeling in the eye. Over-the-counter pain medication and artificial tears can help with minor discomfort, but eye doctors might prescribe stronger medicines for more severe symptoms.
If vision loss occurs, fast medical attention is important. Doctors often check for serious problems like corneal abrasions, retinal detachment, or nerve damage. Some patients might have blurred vision or light sensitivity for days or weeks.
Wearing an eye patch or using prescribed ointments can help the eye heal. Follow-up visits are necessary to track changes in vision. Ignoring symptoms may lead to worse vision problems or infections.
Rehabilitation for Eye Health
Rehabilitation focuses on regaining as much vision as possible and protecting eye health. For some injuries, vision therapy may be recommended, which includes guided activities to train the eyes and brain to work together.
Patients might need to avoid screens, bright lights, or reading for long periods. Light therapy or special glasses could be part of the recovery plan. In some cases, surgery is needed to repair damage caused by the airbag.
Support from a rehabilitation team can help address pain and emotional stress. Occupational therapists can teach new ways to do daily activities if vision does not fully return.
Costs of Medical Treatment
Medical expenses for airbag-related eye injuries vary based on the seriousness of the injury and treatment needed. Costs usually include:
- Doctor visits: Eye exams, follow-ups, and specialist consultations.
- Medication: Eye drops, ointments, antibiotics, or oral pain relievers.
- Procedures: Minor surgeries, stitches, or laser treatment if needed.
- Vision therapy: Sessions with therapists, special equipment, or glasses.
Insurance may cover some but not all costs. Out-of-pocket expenses can build up, especially if frequent visits or custom lenses are needed. A table below shows possible expenses:
| Treatment Type | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Eye Exam | $100 – $250 per visit |
| Prescription Meds | $10 – $100 per medication |
| Outpatient Surgery | $1,000 – $4,000+ |
| Vision Therapy | $75 – $200 per session |
Unexpected costs such as travel, lost wages, or ongoing therapy can also add to the financial strain. Early care, insurance, and financial aid may help manage these expenses.
Legal Considerations, Compensation, and Support
Eye injuries from airbags can raise complicated legal questions. These may involve proving who is at fault, seeking fair payment, and getting support after an accident. Understanding these processes can help injured people know what steps to take.
Airbag Malfunction and Liability
If an airbag deploys with excessive force, fails to deploy, or has a defect, it can directly lead to eye injuries. These cases often involve product liability law. The car manufacturer, airbag maker, or dealership may be responsible for selling or installing a faulty airbag system.
Victims will need to show evidence of the malfunction. This could include photos, repair history, accident reports, or expert analysis. Legal responsibility may lie not just with the maker but also those who installed or serviced the system. A successful claim will depend on proving the injury was caused or made worse by the malfunction.
Seeking Compensation for Ocular Injuries
People with airbag-related eye injuries may qualify for financial compensation. This can cover medical bills, surgery, follow-up care, lost wages, and future treatment costs. In some cases, damages for pain and suffering are also available.
To make a strong claim, injured persons should keep all medical records and bills. Photos of the injury and written statements from doctors can support claims. They may also need employment records if they missed work because of the injury. Compensation varies based on the severity of the eye injury and long-term effects on vision.
Legal Advice and the Role of an Attorney
An attorney with experience in airbag injury cases can help explain legal rights. They can gather evidence, file claims, and negotiate with manufacturers or insurance companies. Legal advice is important because eye injury claims often involve technical details and multiple parties.
Attorneys can also help decide if the case is best handled as an individual lawsuit or as part of a group claim. Many lawyers offer free consultations. They may only take a fee if they win compensation for the client. Speaking to an attorney early can prevent mistakes that could harm a case.
Emotional Distress and Support Resources
Eye injuries can affect more than just physical health. Many people experience emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or fear of driving again. This distress is sometimes included as part of a legal claim.
Counseling, support groups, or speaking with a mental health professional can help. Some hospitals and local organizations provide resources for accident victims. Family and community support also play a very important role during recovery. Recognizing emotional pain and seeking help can improve quality of life after an injury.
