Eye injuries in organised sport in a rural area.

Eye injuries in sport are a continuing preventable problem. An investigation into sport injuries in rural Ireland shows hurling to be the most dangerous pastime, and this is compared and contrasted with other local games. Forty-five consecutive injuries sustained in organised sport requiring admission to hospital over a 4-year period were studied. 40% were due to hurling. Over three-quarters of the 45 patients recovered 6/6 vision or better. The costs to the community of such eye injuries are discussed.