Eye Injuries in Sports
Eye injuries are a significant risk in many sports and can range from minor irritations to severe trauma that can lead to permanent vision loss. Understanding the risks and how to prevent and treat these injuries is crucial for anyone participating in sports, whether at a recreational or professional level.
What Sports Cause Eye Injuries?:
Eye injuries can occur in almost any sport, but some activities are more risky than others.
High-Risk Sports
Basketball: The leading cause of sports-related eye injuries in the United States, often due to players being poked in the eye by fingers or elbows.
Baseball and Softball: High risk due to the speed and hardness of the balls.
Airsoft and Pellet Guns: These sports involve high-velocity projectiles that can cause severe injuries.
Racquet Sports and Hockey: Involve fast-moving balls and pucks, which can cause significant damage.
Athletes should wear protective sports glasses with shatterproof polycarbonate lenses to reduce the risk of injury.
Very High-Risk Sports
Boxing and Martial Arts: No satisfactory eye protection exists, though thumbless gloves may help reduce injuries.
Ice Hockey and Lacrosse: Participants should wear helmets with polycarbonate face masks or wire shields.
Low-Risk Sports
Sports like track, swimming, dance, and gymnastics are considered low-risk for eye injuries but require caution as accidents occur.
Types of Sports-Related Eye Injuries:
Blunt trauma: results from a forceful impact to the eye or surrounding area and is one of the most common causes of sports-related eye injuries.
Black Eye: Bruising due to bleeding under the skin, which can look worse than it is.
Orbital Blowout Fracture: Fracture of the bones around the eye.
Ruptured Eyeball and Detached Retina: More severe injuries that require immediate medical attention.
Corneal Abrasion and Penetrating Eye Injuries
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the eye’s surface, often caused by debris or contact with other players, like fingers or nails. This painful injury increases infection risk, so medical attention is necessary.
These injuries occur when an object penetrates the eye, such as broken glasses or flying debris, and can lead to permanent vision loss. Protective eyewear is essential to reduce the risk.
Appropriate Protective Eyewear:
Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for their shatterproof qualities and ability to withstand high-impact collisions. Athletes should use sports-specific eyewear from these materials for activities like basketball, soccer, and field hockey. In sports like ice hockey and lacrosse, it is important to wear helmets with polycarbonate face masks or wire shields to provide additional protection.
Treatment of Sports Eye Injuries:
Immediate medical attention is crucial when an eye injury occurs, even if it seems minor. Delay in treatment can lead to permanent damage.
Blunt Trauma Injuries: Treat with a cold compress to reduce swelling. Seek professional care if there is loss of vision, intense pain, or blood in the eye.
Penetrating Injuries: Do not attempt to remove objects embedded in the eye; seek immediate medical help.
Conclusion:
Sports-related eye injuries can be serious and lead to permanent vision loss if not properly addressed. Wearing appropriate protective eyewear and being aware of the risks associated with various sports can significantly reduce the likelihood of injury. Immediate medical care is crucial in preserving vision and preventing further damage, ensuring sports remain safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Sources:
“How to Avoid Sports-Related Eye Injuries.” Lighthouse Guild, 24 Apr. 2023, lighthouseguild.org/how-to-avoid-sports-related-eye-injuries/. Accessed 02 Aug. 2024.
Ohana, Oded, and Chris Alabiad. “Ocular Related Sports Injuries.” The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 June 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8192440/. Accessed 02 Aug. 2024.
Staff, Familydoctor.org Editorial. “Eye Injuries in Sports.” Familydoctor.Org, 6 June 2023, familydoctor.org/eye-injuries-in-sports/. Accessed 02 Aug. 2024.
Turbert, David, and Beatrice Shelton. “Sports Eye Safety.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 21 Mar. 2024, www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-sports. Accessed 02 Aug. 2024.
“What Are the 5 Most Common Eye Injuries for Athletes?” Keck Medicine of USC, 18 July 2024, www.keckmedicine.org/blog/5-common-eye-injuries-for-athletes/. Accessed 02 Aug. 2024.