title: Eye injuries in the extreme environment ultra-marathon runner.
abstract: We present the case of an ultra-marathon runner who developed a painful irritated eye due to prolonged exposure to high wind speed and sub-zero temperatures causing transient freezing and subsequent abrasion of the cornea. We recommend that all ultra-marathon runners racing in windy or exposed conditions should wear wrap-around eye protection or goggles. If runners present to checkpoints or after the race to primary care or the emergency department with ocular pain, corneal freezing and abrasions should be considered. Management should include ocular examination and withdrawing the runner from harmful conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthetics, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, UK.
authors.forename: Thomas Adam
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Cope
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Kingston Hospital Trust, Kingston upon Thames, UK.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kropelnicki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D065306:Corneal Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012420:Running / Q000293:injuries*; D014919:Wind