Soccer ball related posterior segment closed-globe injuries in outdoor amateur players

Abstract

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to report the characteristics, treatment, and anatomical and functional outcomes of outdoor amateur soccer players with soccer ball-related posterior segment ocular trauma. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of 22 patients with diagnoses of closed-globe ocular trauma caused by soccer play activity from 2004 through 2008. Injuries were classified according to Ocular Trauma Classification. RESULTS All patients (n=22) were male, and all injuries were caused by contact with the soccer ball itself. Sixteen (72%) patients did not require any treatment. Surgery was performed on 5 (22%) patients. Twenty (91%) patients had 5/200 or better visual acuity (VA) at presentation and 2 (9%) had hand movements or worse VA. At the final visit, all patients had 5/200 or better VA (p<0.01). CONCLUSION A soccer ball can cause significant posterior segment trauma, and using eye protection equipment might be an appropriate solution.