Between 2005 and 2019, Louisiana recorded roughly the same number of motor vehicle accidents each year. Interestingly, though, the number of serious injuries in car crashes dropped by almost 25%. Part of this decline is undoubtedly due to advancements in vehicle safety, including crumple zones, seat belts and airbags.
While your car’s airbags may reduce your chances of suffering a serious injury, they do not offer total protection. Regrettably, if your face collides with an inflated airbag, you may be vulnerable to a catastrophic orbital blowout.
What is an orbital blowout?
An orbital blowout is a fracture to the bones that surround your eye. Not only do these bones protect your eyes from damage, but they help to give your face its overall shape. Doctors use “blowout” to describe catastrophic fractures, as these types of breaks often cause bones to shatter.
What are the complications of an orbital blowout?
If you have an orbital blowout, you may experience temporary or even permanent vision loss. An orbital blowout that damages your bone structure may cause you to experience anxiety, depression or a body-image condition. Furthermore, like with many other facial injuries, orbital blowouts are often excruciatingly painful.
How do doctors treat orbital blowouts?
For a simple orbital fracture, doctors may recommend icing to reduce swelling. They may also prescribe decongestants to help you remove blood from your sinus cavities. If you have a moderate or severe blowout, though, you may need corrective surgery and rehabilitation.
Even though your pain is likely to diminish over time, your face may never look quite the same after an orbital blowout. Ultimately, pursuing compensation from the driver who caused the crash may help you pay for cosmetic surgery or other necessary procedures.
