Ocular sports trauma is among the leading causes of preventable vision loss in North America. Tens of thousands of people are treated for sports-related eye injuries each year, with the most common injuries occurring during water sports, basketball, racquet sports, and baseball. Corneal abrasions, eye socket fractures, internal bleeding, and retinal detachments are just a few of the conditions eye doctors treat regularly as a result of sports activities.
Sports Eye Safety Month, observed in September and sponsored by Prevent Blindness America, serves as an important reminder to protect your eyes whenever you play sports. While young children tend to be the most vulnerable to eye injuries, athletes of all ages and skill levels are at risk.
Eye accidents can happen in a split second, and the effects can last a lifetime. Fortunately, wearing appropriate protective eyewear can prevent the vast majority of sports-related eye injuries. Athletes who wear contact lenses should know that contacts do not count as eye protection and still need additional sport-appropriate eyewear.
At Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas, our team is experienced in evaluating and treating sports-induced eye injuries to help get you back on the field safely. We also provide consultations on protective eyewear for a wide range of sports.
A corneal abrasion, or scratched cornea, is the most common sports-related eye injury. It occurs when something pokes or scrapes the surface of the eye. Symptoms include sharp pain, a gritty or foreign body sensation, redness, tearing, light sensitivity, headaches, and blurry vision. Treatment focuses on preventing infection and managing pain. If you suspect a corneal abrasion, see an eye doctor promptly rather than attempting to treat it at home.
Iritis is an inflammation of the iris, the colored part of the eye. It can develop rapidly after blunt trauma and typically affects only one eye. Symptoms include pain in the eye or brow area, blurred vision, a small or irregularly shaped pupil, and sensitivity to bright lights. Traumatic iritis requires professional evaluation and usually responds to prescribed anti-inflammatory treatment.
A hyphema occurs when a blood vessel inside the eye breaks, causing blood to collect in the space between the cornea and iris known as the anterior chamber. Racquet sports, baseball, and softball account for a large portion of hyphema injuries in athletics. Symptoms include visible blood in the eye, blurry or distorted vision, light sensitivity, and eye pain. A hyphema is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention to avoid complications such as elevated eye pressure or permanent vision damage.
Angle recession can develop after blunt trauma to the eye from a punch, elbow, or ball impact. The trauma damages the eye’s fluid drainage system, which can lead to increased eye pressure. In some cases, this elevated pressure damages the optic nerve over time, causing a form of glaucoma known as angle-recession glaucoma. Because symptoms may not appear for months or even years, anyone who sustains a significant blow to the eye should have a thorough eye exam and follow up with routine screenings.
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina is lifted or pulled from its normal position at the back of the eye. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Warning signs include sudden flashing lights, a shower of new floaters, or a shadow or curtain effect over part of your vision. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate attention from an eye doctor or emergency room.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel breaks on the white part of the eye. It can result from a sports injury, eye rubbing, heavy lifting, sneezing, or coughing. The eye appears intensely red, which can look alarming, but this condition is usually minor and typically resolves on its own within a couple of weeks without treatment. However, if it follows a direct blow to the eye, an exam is still recommended to rule out deeper damage.
An orbital fracture occurs when one or more of the bones surrounding the eyeball break, often from a hard blow to the face such as from a baseball or a fist. This is a serious injury that requires professional evaluation, including imaging such as X-rays or a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether surgical referral is needed.
A black eye, or periorbital hematoma, results from blunt trauma that causes bruising around the eye. While it typically affects the face more than the eye itself, blurry vision can be a temporary symptom. It is a good idea to have a black eye evaluated by an eye doctor, because there can sometimes be accompanying damage to the eye or surrounding structures that could affect vision.
Wearing appropriate protective eyewear is one of the most effective ways to prevent sports-related eye injuries. Eye protection should be considered as essential as helmets, shin guards, or any other standard safety equipment.
For athletes of all ages and skill levels, taking a few moments to select and wear the right protective eyewear can make a significant difference. To learn more about sports-related eye protection or to schedule an appointment, contact Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas at 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com.
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