[Preventive measures against ocular trauma on squash courts].
OBJECTIVE
Squash-ball induced trauma is an important cause of severe ocular injuries. Fortunately they can be prevented by wearing of protective goggles. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of these protective devices in Swiss Squash Clubs.


METHODS
A detailed questionnaire was sent to all Squash Clubs in Switzerland (n = 82). The solicited information comprised: the possibility to buy protective goggles in the proshop, presence of posters in the club encouraging the members to wear protective goggles, assessment of the risk of ocular trauma by a squash ball (high or low), and the evaluation of ocular sequelae after squash ball injury.


RESULTS
In the French-speaking part of Switzerland 35% of the clubs responded, whereas the percentage in the German-speaking part was 32% did. Of all the clubs who returned the questionnaire only one was found to sell protective goggles in the sports centre (4%). Two further clubs had posters encouraging the players to wear eye protection (7%). Three other clubs in the French-speaking area and two in the German-speaking area planned to introduce these measures (18%). 63% of the clubs considered the risk of an ocular injury to be low, 7% even as very low. Only 26% of the clubs who returned the questionnaire considered the risk to be much higher.


CONCLUSIONS
The interest of squash clubs in protective eye wear is very low, as the risks for a serious ocular injury are underrated. It is therefore important to bring the danger of racket sports to the attention of patients.
Leuba
A
A
Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules Gonin, Université de Lausanne, Suisse.
Secrétan
M
M
Wolfensberger
T J
TJ
D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005135:Eye Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015865:Racquet Sports / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology
Prévalence des mesures de protection contre les traumatismes oculaires par balle de squash.