Eye injuries pose risks during water sports and swimming

Eye injuries sustained during swimming and water sports are a significant health concern, representing a leading cause of blindness in children in the West, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). Research involving individuals aged 6 to 24 indicates that 20% of ophthalmic injuries occur during sports, and 90% of these could have been prevented with proper protective eyewear.

Dr. Anastasios-I. Kanellopoulos, an ophthalmologist and professor at New York University, notes that injuries in water sports often result from direct impacts. These include high-speed objects, wind-blown items, or accidental contact with teammates. Such incidents can lead to corneal abrasions, orbital fractures, or vision loss. Other risks include eye penetration from fingers or broken corrective lenses, as well as corneal burns caused by UV radiation exposure while near water or sand.