Eye injury in sports Exercise and physical activity are an integral part of a healthy life, which have countless benefits for the body and soul. From improving fitness to reducing stress, exercise plays a key role in quality of life. However, as we enjoy its benefits, we should not ignore its possible dangers. One of these risks that is often underestimated is eye damage. Every year, thousands of people around the world suffer eye injuries due to sports, some of which can lead to serious complications and even permanent vision loss. Addressing the issue of "sports and eye damage" and knowing the methods of prevention and protection, it is necessary for every athlete, from beginners to professionals, to engage in activities with more awareness and confidence. **Why do the eyes get hurt in sports?** Eyes are very sensitive organs that are vulnerable to impact and foreign bodies. In the sports environment, this vulnerability is exacerbated by high speed, collisions and throwing objects. Many types of eye injuries can occur during sports, from mild to very serious. Understanding the nature of these injuries is the first step to prevention. Some of the most common types of eye injuries include: - **Corneal scratch:** This usually happens due to the entry of small particles, dust, or direct contact with nails or fingertips. It can be very painful and feel like there is sand in the eye. - **Concussion and internal bleeding (hyphema):** This type of injury is caused by a direct hit to the eye with larger objects (such as a ball, elbow or fist). Bleeding in the front of the eye can impair vision and, if left untreated, cause increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma) and permanent damage to the optic nerve. - **Retinal detachment:** One of the most serious injuries that can occur as a result of a severe blow to the head or eyes. Symptoms include seeing flashes of light, flickers, or a curtain in the field of vision and require immediate treatment to prevent blindness. - Penetrating foreign objects: The entry of sharp objects such as shards of glass, metal, or even a fishing hook into the eye can cause tearing of the eyeball and irreparable damage. - ** Fracture of the eye socket:** Severe trauma can lead to broken bones around the eye, which may limit the movement of the eye and cause double vision. All these cases indicate the "risks of exercise for vision" that with a little carelessness or lack of use of protective equipment can endanger the health of the eyes. **High-risk sports for vision** Although any sport can potentially carry an eye injury risk, some activities by their very nature carry a higher risk. Knowing these sports helps us to take more appropriate preventive measures and avoid "sports and eye injuries". Some of these sports are mentioned below: **Racket sports (tennis, badminton, squash, racquetball):** These sports are at the top of the list. Balls and shuttlecocks travel at very high speeds and can easily hit the eye. Also, racket kicks can be dangerous. These activities are one of the main factors of "exercise risks for vision". **Basketball:** High physical contact and quick movements of players' hands and fingers increase the risk of poking or elbowing. **Combat sports and boxing:** Direct blows to the face, especially in sports such as boxing, karate, taekwondo, and MMA, have a high potential for serious eye injuries. **Baseball and softball:** The high speed of throwing balls and hitting with a baseball bat makes these sports very dangerous. Throwing and hitting the ball can cause significant "physical eye strain". **Hockey (ice and grass):** The high speed of the ball or puck, hockey sticks and physical collisions make this sport very dangerous. **Soccer:** Although not commonly recognized as a high-risk sport for the eyes, high-speed balls hitting players in the face or head-on can be traumatic. **Paintball and Airsoft:** The projectiles of these games can cause serious and permanent damage to the eyes if full face protection is not used. **Mountain biking and skiing:** In these sports, suspended particles, insects, tree foliage and even intense sunlight can cause "physical eye pressure" and damage. For any of these sports, the use of proper eye protection is a fundamental principle. **Eye protection equipment: your defensive shield on the sports field** The most important and effective step to prevent "sports and eye injuries" is to use appropriate protective equipment. These equipments are designed to absorb shocks and prevent foreign bodies from reaching the eyes. ### **Features of an ideal sports eye protector:** 1. Lens type: Polycarbonate lenses are the best option. This material is highly impact resistant and 10 times stronger than ordinary plastic or glass. Even if broken, these lenses do not shatter and do not cause any danger to the eyes. 2. **Standards:** Eye protection must meet safety standards such as ASTM F803. This standard indicates that the protector has been tested against strong impacts and has the necessary safety. The standard label is usually visible on the frame or lens of the glasses. 3. **Type of frame:** The frame must be strong and durable and cover the entire eye area to prevent objects from entering from the sides. Frames made of durable polycarbonate or nylon are good options. 4. **Fit:** The protector should fit well on the face and not move during the activity. An improper fit can cause discomfort and reduce the effectiveness of protection. 5. **Ventilation:** Having proper ventilation holes is essential to prevent condensation and maintain a clear view. 6. **Usability with prescription glasses:** If you use prescription glasses, you can use over-the-glasses protectors or protectors that have the ability to install prescription lenses. Don't forget that regular sunglasses or prescription glasses don't provide enough protection against impact and can actually be dangerous if they break. **Read more: presbyopia treatment** **How to reduce physical eye pressure in sports** Along with the use of protective equipment, following some principles and strategies can help reduce the "physical impact of the eye" and prevent injury. These measures include: - **Correct technique:** In many sports, learning and applying the correct technique reduces the risk of collision and injury. For example, in combat sports, maintaining the proper distance and using the correct defensive guard is very important. - **Environmental Awareness:** Always be aware of your surroundings. Know where your teammates, opponents, and obstacles are. This awareness will help you avoid dangerous encounters and situations. - **Observe the rules of the game:** The rules in many sports are designed to protect the safety of the players. Following these rules, especially in contact sports, can greatly reduce the risk of eye injuries. - **Preparation of the playground:** Ensuring that the playground is clear of sharp objects, stones or any dangerous obstacles can prevent unforeseen incidents. - **Control of light and environment:** If possible, avoid exercising in environments with direct and strong sunlight or unpleasant lights. Intense light can cause glare and impair vision. - **Attention to weather conditions:** Strong wind can bring small particles into the eyes, while rain or fog reduce visibility. In such a situation, more caution is required. - **maintain general eye health:** Regular ophthalmology examinations, healthy diet and staying hydrated, help to maintain overall eye health and make it more resistant to damage. ### **Immediate actions after eye injury in sports** Despite following all the preventive measures, sometimes accidents happen. Knowing what to do first after an eye injury is critical to prevent further damage and increase the chances of a full recovery. In case of "exercise and eye injury", remember these actions: **Do not rub the eye:** This is the most important step. Rubbing the eye can make the scratches worse or the foreign body more embedded. **Washing (if necessary):** If the chemical is splashed in the eyes, immediately wash the eyes with clean and lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. In the case of small particles, you can gently wash the eye using an eye wash solution or clean water. **Cold compress (in case of trauma without laceration):** If the trauma was caused by a blunt object and there is no obvious laceration or bleeding, you can gently apply a cold compress (such as ice wrapped in cloth) to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain. **Do not remove a foreign object:** If an object is lodged in the eye (such as a piece of glass or metal), do not attempt to remove it under any circumstances. This should be done by a professional. **COVERING THE EYE:** If bleeding, laceration, or foreign body is present, gently cover the eye with a clean pad or paper cup (no pressure) to prevent further injury. **SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY:** If there is severe pain, decreased vision, double vision, bleeding, or changes in the shape of the eye, or if there is an object in the eye, go to the emergency room or an ophthalmologist immediately. Even if the damage seems minor, it is best to have it checked by a professional. **Read more: ****Refractive defects surgery** ### **Conclusion:** Exercise and eye damage is a preventable reality. Despite the excitement and energy that exercise brings to our lives, eye protection should be a priority. From high-risk sports to everyday activities, being aware of the risks of exercise to your vision and using the right protective equipment can make a big difference in preserving your vision. Investing in a pair of sports glasses with a suitable standard and observing safety precautions will not only protect your eyes from physical eye pressure, but also allow you to enjoy your favorite sports activities for years with peace of mind and without worrying about irreparable complications. Remember, prevention is always better than cure and your eyesight is your most valuable asset. ### **