Eye injuries among pennant squash players and their attitudes towards protective eyewear

Med J Aust. 1990 Dec;153(11-12):655-8. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1990.tb126314.x.

Abstract

A questionnaire survey on eye injuries and attitudes towards protective eyewear was conducted among 165 metropolitan pennant squash players; 163 (99%) valid responses were received. The incidence of eye injuries in the survey sample was found to be 17.5 per 100,000 playing hours with a significant proportion (26%) indicating that they had suffered at least one eye injury. Racquets were more common as the source of injury (61%) than squash balls. A large proportion of those injured consulted a doctor (63%) with approximately one-third (or 5% of the total survey sample) having been admitted to hospital for the injury. Only 8% of the sample used appropriate protective eyewear with an additional 2% believing their prescription lenses were a form of protection. The main reason given for using protective eyewear was previous injury to self or others (65% of cases). Doctors and media promotion rated poorly in causing players to use eyewear (6% for each). Most respondents believed eyewear to be of benefit, but fewer than half felt that eyewear should be made compulsory for all players. Only 6% of players said that they would give up the game if use of eyewear was made compulsory.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health*
  • Australia
  • Eye Injuries / etiology*
  • Eye Injuries / prevention & control
  • Eye Injuries / psychology
  • Eye Protective Devices*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Racquet Sports / injuries*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires