Golf-related ocular injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To examine patient outcomes from golf-related ocular injuries.


METHODS
A retrospective case review was undertaken of subjects with golf-related ocular injuries treated at the Auckland and Waikato Hospitals during the 5-year period from 1997 to 2002.


RESULTS
Of 11 injuries treated in the 5-year period, five of the subjects incurred globe rupture with two subjects requiring enucleation. Seven of the injuries were from golf balls and four injuries were from golf clubs. Six of the subjects had a final visual acuity of 6/48 or worse.


CONCLUSIONS
Golfing injuries, though uncommon, are frequently associated with severe ocular trauma and poor visual outcome. Although unpredictable and difficult to avoid, proper golf etiquette and safety may diminish the incidence of golf-related ocular injures. Injuries caused by golf clubs occurred only in children.
Jayasundera
Thiran
T
Department of Ophthalmology, Auckland Public Hospital, and Discipline of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Thiran88@hotmail.com
Vote
Brendan
B
Joondeph
Brian
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006055:Golf / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery