
	Home > Ouch > Injuries > Eyes

Eye injuries - Information

Did you know?

Eye injuries in sport are almost completely preventable.
Sports can be classified on the basis of low, high and extremely high risk for eye injuries.
High eye risk activities generally involve either the use of a high speed ball, the use of a bat or stick or close aggressive play that involves body contact or collision.
A combination of any two of the above factors places that sport into the VERY HIGH RISK category.

Eye injuries

Low risk activities	Lawn bowls Rollerblading Ballet Normal streetwear eyeglass frames with 2mm polycarbonate lenses give adequate protection for low risk activities.
High risk activities	Tennis Badminton Basketball Squash Moulded polycarbonate frames and lenses are suggested for contact lens wearers and athletes who do not wear glasses but participate in moderate to high risk non-contact sports.
Very high risk activities	Cricket Lacrosse Ice Hockey Moulded polycarbonate frames should be used in conjunction with a face mask or helmet for additional protection in high risk collision sports.
Any athlete with normally reduced vision in one eye should always use protective eyewear when playing sport. Consult an optometrist for advice on vision requirements and protective equipment specific for your sport.

Common Eye Injuries

Black eye

Signs and symptoms

bruising and swelling

Management

apply cold compress to the area with the eye closed. DO NOT allow the ice to aggravate the injury
check carefully for possibility of more serious injury
if unsure refer immediately.

Signs and symptoms

pain in the eye
irritation

Management

open upper and lower eyelid using gentle finger pressure
wash out the eye with tap water or sterile saline
if object is not removed refer the athlete on.

Foreign body

Hyphaema

Signs and symptoms

red or brown blood in the lower part of the eye

Management

rest athlete, preferably semi-sitting or semi-reclining
transport to hospital by ambulance.

Signs and symptoms

local pain, tenderness and swelling
may have cheek and eye soreness
may have double vision when looking upwards.

Management

rest athlete, preferably sitting up
call ambulance.

Blow out fracture

$Blow out fracture$

Burst eye

Burst eye

This person lost their eye 6 weeks later.

Signs and symptoms

local pain, tenderness and swelling
may have cheek and eye soreness
may have double vision when looking upwards.

Management

rest athlete, preferably sitting up
call ambulance.

Disclaimer / Copyright / Contact / Credits / © 2001 Smartplay
This page last updated : 14th June 2001