Surfing-related ocular injuries.
OBJECTIVE
This report evaluates the clinical characteristics of surfing-related ocular trauma to learn the nature of such injuries and propose possible preventive measures.


METHODS
The authors reviewed 11 cases of surfing-related eye injuries caused by direct trauma from the surfboard, studying their mechanism of injury, the associated ocular complications, and the anatomic and visual outcomes of surgical repair.


RESULTS
Surfing-related ocular injuries occurred exclusively in young males (mean age, 24.8 years; range, 14-37 years). The mechanism of injury most frequently responsible was impact with the sharp nose of the surfboard following a fall. Serious posterior segment complications were observed in all 11 patients, with nine patients suffering ruptured globes. Despite immediate medical attention, five patients did not recover ambulatory levels of visual acuity (>5/200).


CONCLUSIONS
Surfing-related ocular trauma presenting to the retinal specialist typically leaves the patient with a permanent visual disability. Important factors contributing to these high-velocity injuries include the sharply pointed nose of the surfboard and the leash keeping the surfer in close proximity to the board following a fall. A simple modification in surfboard design such as blunting the sharp nose of the surfboard, or appropriate protective guards fitted over the surfboard nose, should lessen the severity of such injuries.
Kim
J W
JW
Department of Ophthalmology, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, USA.
McDonald
H R
HR
Rubsamen
P E
PE
Luttrull
J K
JK
Drouilhet
J H
JH
Frambach
D A
DA
Boyer
D S
DS
Lambrou
F H
FH
Hendrick
A
A
Weiss
J N
JN
Engstrom
R E
RE
Ing
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D015807:Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture; D012590:Sclera / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D019876:Sports Equipment / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014792:Visual Acuity