This is a question concerning my father who is 74. He was he said accidentally elbowed in the side of the head when 2 of my younger brothers got into a fight. Since that time (over a year he wouldn’t admit he had a problem but it is getting worse) he has almost no sight in the left eye and not much in the other. He has to hold money 2 inches from his eyes to make out the denomination. He can walk right by an automobile he rode in without being able to find it. What kind of injury could he have suffered in the left temple impact? Is it anything laser surgery could fix ? Optic nerve damage?

Dr. Joshua’s Answer

He may be suffering from cataract, which can be treated with eye surgery. It is theoretically possible that head trauma could result in loss of vision, but this is rare, and while I cannot of course say for sure without examining your father, based on the above information I’d say it’s unlikely.

Have your father see an ophthalmologist.