American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
For Immediate Release Dec 28, 2004

OVERLAND PARK, KS:  Eye injuries due to recreational and organized sports participation are common although the majority can be prevented, according to James L. Moeller, MD.

Dr. Moeller presented updated information regarding ocular injuries at the Advanced Team Physician Course last week in Miami Beach , Florida . The most common injuries are due to blunt force trauma and the most common injury is corneal abrasion. In most cases, this injury heals quickly with no adverse outcomes and can be treated by the team doctor. Accurate diagnosis, appropriate early treatment and very close follow-up is paramount in treating any eye injury.

Because nearly 90% of all sport-related eye injuries are preventable, educating players, parents, coaches and officials on prevention strategies is an important duty of the team physician. Proper use of eye protection (e.g shields, cages, polycarbonate (shatter-proof) eyewear) during practices and games is the number one prevention strategy. Proper eye protection should also be worn when just practicing in the back yard. Fair play and strict adherence/enforcement of the rules of each game is another important factor to reduce eye injuries.

Evidence of a severe injury, such as loss of vision, blood collection in the anterior chamber of the eye, irregular pupil shape, decreased pupil reaction to light should prompt immediate ophthalmology referral. Dr. Moeller is a sports medicine physician and member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM).

The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) was organized in 1991by physicians who recognized the need for an organization within the field of sports medicine that approached athletes, exercising individuals, and teams comprehensively with consultative and continuous care of their orthopedic, medical, nutritional, and psychosocial issues. Although sports medicine concepts are often thought of in conjunction with professional and elite athletes, these concepts apply to athletes of all levels including grade school, high school, college and recreational athletes. AMSSM is comprised of over 800 Sports Medicine Physicians whose goal is to provide a link between the rapidly expanding core of knowledge related to sports medicine and its application to patients in a clinical setting.

NOTE: For more information, please contact the AMSSM, 11639 Earnshaw, Overland Park, KS 66210, (913) 327-1415 or [email protected] .