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Abstract
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AIMS: To determine the severity and long term
sequelae of eye injuries caused by modern sports that could be responsible for
significant ocular trauma in the future. METHODS: Prospective observational
study of 24 (25 eyes) athletes with sports related ocular injuries from health
clubs, war games, adventure, radical and new types of soccer, presenting to an
eye emergency department between 1992 and 2002 (10 years). RESULTS: Modern
sports were responsible for 8.3% of the 288 total sports eye injuries reported.
Squash (29.2%) was the most common cause, followed by paintball (20.8%) and
motocross (16.6%). The most common diagnosis during the follow up period was
retinal breaks (20%). 18 (75%) patients sustained a severe injury. The final
visual acuity remained <20/100 in two paintball players. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular
injuries resulting from modern sports are often severe. Adequate instruction of
the participants in the games, proper use of eye protectors, and a routine
complete ophthalmological examination after an eye trauma should be
mandatory. |