Damage to the eyes can result in permanent visual impairments or blindness, with major consequences for daily life and often high compensation amounts in Zoetermeer and surrounding areas.
Types of Eye Injury
Eye injury can arise in various ways and the severity differs per case.
Common Eye Injuries
| Type | Causes | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal damage | Scratches, chemicals | Scarring, loss of visual field |
| Retinal detachment | Blunt trauma | Vision loss, blindness |
| Lens damage | Penetrating injury | Cataract condition, lens replacement |
| Damage to optic nerve | Head trauma | Permanent vision loss |
| Orbital fracture | Blunt injury | Double vision, displacement of eyeball |
| Chemical damage | Acids or bases | Severe damage, blindness |
Measurement of Vision
The degree of vision loss is determined based on visual acuity and visual field measurements.
Visual Acuity Classification
| Visual Acuity | Category | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Normal vision | No limitations in daily tasks |
| 0.5 | Mildly reduced | Driver's license often still obtainable |
| 0.3 | Visually impaired | Aids needed, no driver's license |
| 0.1 | Severely visually impaired | Need for magnification or large print |
| <0.05 | Legally blind | Need for guide dog or cane |
Impact on Daily Life
Reduced vision affects virtually every aspect of life in Zoetermeer.
Limitations
Mobility
- Driving no longer possible
- Difficulty navigating new environments
- Increased risk of tripping or colliding
- Dependent on others or public transport
Work and Study
- Many jobs no longer feasible
- Screen work difficult or impossible
- Need for retraining
- Workplace adaptations essential
Daily Tasks
- Reading books, letters or labels
- Performing household chores
- Shopping independently
- Pursuing hobbies
- Social contacts (recognizing faces)
Support and Aids
For visual loss, various aids and adaptations are available for residents of Zoetermeer.
Supportive Aids
| Aid | Use | Price Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Reading magnifier | Reading small text | €50 - €500 |
| Screen magnifier | Working on computer | €500 - €5.000 |
| Text-to-speech technology | Converting text to speech | €1.000 - €3.000 |
| White cane | Navigation and detection | €50 - €200 |
| Guide dog | Outdoor guidance | Training via organizations |
| Speech software | Computer control | €500 - €2.000 |
Compensation for Eye Injury in Zoetermeer
The financial impact of eye injury can be significant, especially with permanent vision loss. Legal assistance is available via Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer or Rechtbank Den Haag.
Non-Pecuniary Damage Indications
| Type of Injury | Non-Pecuniary Damage Estimate |
|---|---|
| Loss of one eye | €35.000 - €50.000 |
| Blindness in one eye | €40.000 - €60.000 |
| Severely reduced vision in both eyes | €60.000 - €120.000 |
| Total blindness | €150.000 - €250.000 |
| Incurable double vision | €25.000 - €50.000 |
Other Damage Components
Loss of Income
With severe vision loss, working is often impossible. For young victims, the damage can run into millions.
Costs for Support
Long-term expenses for aids, adaptations, and guidance.
Domestic Assistance
With severe visual impairments, support is needed for household tasks, administration, and mobility.
Advice for Victims
- Always have eye damage checked by a specialist
- Record your vision before and after the incident
- Request a referral to visual rehabilitation
- Explore options for support and adaptations
- Do not settle definitively until your situation is stable