D Kent1. 1. The Vision Clinic, 7 Circular Road, Kilkenny, Ireland, dkent@liv.ac.uk.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite the compulsory use of faceguards in hurling, serious and sight-threatening eye injuries are still occurring. AIMS: The purpose of this study is to highlight a number of key areas where there is still a high risk of serious ocular injury. METHODS: A case series study. RESULTS: Distinct patterns of injuries are being observed in both playing and non-playing staff in the following areas: in the pre-match 'warm up' period and during training drills, situations historically where faceguards or eye protection has not been worn. Moreover, significant injuries are being observed in matches due to either modification of or defective faceguards. CONCLUSION: It is incumbent upon the Gaelic Athletic Association to expand current safety regulations to eliminate injuries in these key areas. This should include mandatory checks of faceguards by match officials prior to the commencement of matches. Finally, there needs to be more robust data collection by the association to ascertain the true extent of long-term ocular morbidity following these types of injuries.
BACKGROUND: Despite the compulsory use of faceguards in hurling, serious and sight-threatening eye injuries are still occurring. AIMS: The purpose of this study is to highlight a number of key areas where there is still a high risk of serious ocular injury. METHODS: A case series study. RESULTS: Distinct patterns of injuries are being observed in both playing and non-playing staff in the following areas: in the pre-match 'warm up' period and during training drills, situations historically where faceguards or eye protection has not been worn. Moreover, significant injuries are being observed in matches due to either modification of or defective faceguards. CONCLUSION: It is incumbent upon the Gaelic Athletic Association to expand current safety regulations to eliminate injuries in these key areas. This should include mandatory checks of faceguards by match officials prior to the commencement of matches. Finally, there needs to be more robust data collection by the association to ascertain the true extent of long-term ocular morbidity following these types of injuries.