According to Familydoctor.org, there are an estimated 40,000 sports related eye injuries every year. These injuries are divided into three different categories: blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, and radiation injury. Consequences of sports injuries to the eye can be minor, such as external bruising, to catastrophic, such as loss of vision. With vigilance, and proper preventive measures, the number of sports related eye injuries can be dramatically reduced.
Types of sports eye injuries.
- Blunt trauma – a direct blow to the eye. This is the most common form of sports related eye injury. This can occur with player to player contact, or when a ball or racquet strikes the eye. Blunt trauma can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from bruising of the eyelid (a “black eye”), to fracture of the bone surrounding the eyeball (“blowout” fracture), to rupture of the eyeball itself (ruptured globe)
- Penetrating trauma – a foreign object cuts the eye. The object can be a projectile, such as a BB from an air gun, a fish hook, a fingernail, or a fragment from shattered eyeglasses. There may or may not be a residual foreign object in the eye after penetrating trauma.
- Radiation injury – damage to the eye caused by UV radiation from the sun. This type of injury usually occurs in association with snow skiing or water sports.
First aid for eye injuries.
- Blunt trama - close the eye. Place a cold compress over the affected area, but not directly on the globe. Do not use firm pressure on the eye area. Keep the victim lying down. Ask the victim to close the unaffected eye, which may be helpful to prevent involuntary movement of the injured eye. Get the victim to the Emergency Department as soon as possible.
- Penetrating trauma - If there is a foreign object remaining in the eye after the penetrating trauma DO NOT try to remove it. Do not press, rub or touch the eye. Cover the affected eye with a paper cup or other CLEAN object that will protect the eye, without touching it. Hold or tape the cup in place without putting pressure on the eye. Try to keep the victim from moving the unaffected eye, in order to prevent involuntary movement of the injured eye. Get medical attention immediately.
- Radiation injury - Remove the victim from the source of UV radiation immediately, and seek medical attention.
Prevention of sports eye injuries.
The best way to prevent sports eye injuries is to wear appropriate eye protection when playing. It is estimated that more than 90% of eye injuries can be prevented with protective eyewear. Protective lenses should consist of 3 mm polycarbonate. This type of lens is shatter resistant. Regular “street” glasses should never be used, as they are prone to shatter, increasing the risk of penetrating eye injuries.
For more information see the website of the Coalition to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries.
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