Sports Eye Injuries

Description, First Aid, and Prevention

© Steven M. Cohen

Water's view of orbits, Steven Cohen, MD

Sports eye injuries can be devastating. This article discusses types of sports eye injuries, as well as first aid, and prevention.

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.

First aid for eye injuries.

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.


The copyright of the article Sports Eye Injuries in Sports Medicine is owned by Steven M. Cohen. Permission to republish Sports Eye Injuries must be granted by the author in writing.


Water's view of orbits, Steven Cohen, MD
       


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