What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Corneal Injuries in Sports
• Eye Injuries due to Sports
• Sports-Associated Eye Injuries

What is Eye Injuries in Sports? (Definition/Background Information)

• Each year, more than 40,000 injuries to the eye occur due to sports-related activities. However, over 90% of these eye injuries are preventable
• Eye Injuries in Sports can be classified as low risk, high risk, and very high risk. Sports that are considered low risk do not use a ball, puck, stick, bat, racquet, or involve any body contact
  • Certain sports such as track and field events, swimming, gymnastics, and cycling are considered low-risk sports
  • Individuals who participate in sports, such as basketball and baseball, have an increased risk of an eye injury and are considered as high-risk sports
  • Additionally, sports that can be considered high-risk for an eye injury include hockey, football, lacrosse, tennis (or other racquet sports), fencing, and water polo
  • Sports, such as boxing, wrestling, and contact martial arts, which involve body contact and do not use eye protectors are considered very high risk
• Immediate first aid treatment of an eye injury may significantly improve an individual's chance of restoring or maintaining their vision
• In a high percentage of cases, Eye Injuries from Sports only affect the outside of the cornea and heal quickly with proper treatment

The 4 most common Sports-Associated Eye Injuries include:

• Corneal abrasions
• Black eye
• Hyphema
• Sunlight or radiation from the sun

Who gets Eye Injuries in Sports? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals of all ages, racial and ethnic groups, and both genders, who participate in sports, may experience an eye injury
• However, the majority of Eye Injuries in Sports occur in individuals under the age of 30 years

What are the Risk Factors for Eye Injuries in Sports? (Predisposing Factors)

Sports that involve body contact and do not use eye protectors are considered to have a very high risk for an eye injury. These sports include:

• Boxing
• Wrestling
• Contact martial arts

Sports considered high-risk for an eye injury include:

• Basketball
• Baseball
• Hockey
• American football
• Rugby
• Lacrosse
• Tennis (or other racquet sports)
• Fencing
• Water polo
• Cricket

Sports considered low-risk for an eye injury include:

• Track and field
• Swimming
• Gymnastics
• Cycling

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Eye Injuries in Sports? (Etiology)

According to 2013 statistics provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it found that basketball was the leading cause of injuries to the eye, followed by water and pool activities, guns (air, gas, spring, BB), and baseball/softball.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Eye Injuries in Sports?

The common signs and symptoms of Eye Injuries in Sports include:

• Blurred vision
• Temporary vision loss
• Noticeable bleeding on the surface or inside the eye
• Tears on the outside of the ocular walls or watery eyes
• Sensation of a foreign object in the eye

How is Eye Injuries in Sports Diagnosed?

• Eye injuries are diagnosed by an eye examination, using a device called an ophthalmoscope (an instrument used to look inside the eye), and with a thorough medical history
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the eye: A CT scan uses x-rays to take multiple pictures and produce cross-sectional images of the eye. This is used if an orbital fracture is suspected

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Eye Injuries in Sports?

The complications of Eye Injuries from Sports may include:

• Infection of the eye
• Recurring injuries to the eye
• Worsening symptoms
• Loss of vision

How is Eye Injuries in Sports Treated?

The treatment of Sports-Associated Injuries of the Eye depends on the type of injury that occurred.

• It is important to note that immediate first aid treatment of an eye injury may significantly improve the individual's chance to maintain their vision
• Serious eye injuries in which the cornea becomes penetrated may require surgery

How can Eye Injuries in Sports be Prevented?

Overall, approximately 90% of Eye Injuries in Sports are preventable. The following points may be considered to avoid injury to one’s eye, while playing a sport:

• Individuals who participate in a high-risk racquet sport such as squash should wear shatterproof goggles
• It is recommended for children who participate in youth baseball to wear approved face shields attached to the baseball helmet
• It is also recommended for amateur hockey players to wear helmets and face shields

What is the Prognosis of Eye Injuries in Sports? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The long-term prognosis of Eye Injuries in Sports depends on the type of injury that occurred
• In a high percentage of cases, Eye Injuries in Sports only affect the outside of the cornea and heal quickly with proper treatment
• Injuries that penetrate the cornea are more serious and may require surgical treatment measures

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Eye Injuries in Sports:

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, children who participate in any school-related or community-sponsored athletic event should be required to wear protective eyewear.