The National Basketball Association eye injury study
B. M. Zagelbaum, C. Starkey, P. S. Hersh, E. D. Donnenfeld, H. D. Perry and J. B. Jeffers
Department of Ophthalmology, North Shore University Hospital, Cornell University Medical College, Manhasset, NY, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiology of eye injuries sustained by
professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association
(NBA). METHODS: A prospective study involving all NBA athletes who
sustained eye injuries between February 1, 1992, and June 20, 1993, was
conducted. Twenty-seven NBA team athletic trainers, physicians, and
ophthalmologists were provided data forms to complete for any player
examined for an eye injury. Practice and game exposures during the
preseason, regular season, playoffs, and championships were included.
RESULTS: Of the 1092 injuries sustained by NBA players during the 17-month
period, 59 (5.4%) involved the eye and adnexa. Eighteen (30.5%) of the
injuries occurred while the player was in the act of rebounding, and 16
(27.1%) while the player was on offense. The most common diagnoses included
30 abrasions or lacerations to the eyelid (50.9%), 17 contusions (edema
and/or ecchymosis) to the eyelid or periorbital region (28.8%), and seven
corneal abrasions (11.9%). There were three orbital fractures (5.1%). Most
injuries were caused by fingers (35.6%) or elbows (28.8%). Nine players
(15.3%) missed subsequent games because of their injury. Fifty-seven
players (96.6%) were not wearing protective eyewear at the time of injury.
CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of eye injuries in NBA players during the
17-month period was 1.44 per 1000 game exposures. Frequent physical contact
in professional basketball players leaves them at great risk for sustaining
eye injuries. To prevent these injuries, protective eyewear is recommended.
