More than 40,000 sports-related eye injuries occur in the U.S. every year. Injuries range from abrasions of the cornea and bruises of the eyelids to internal eye injuries, such as retinal detachments and internal bleeding. These injuries can lead to vision loss and permanent blindness.
Marnie Robbins, a senior at University School of Milwaukee and skilled field hockey player, suffered two injuries while playing field hockey and almost permanently damaged her vision. The following is taken from a letter Marnie wrote to her teammates and their parents, emphasizing the importance of protective eyewear.
Dear USM field hockey players and parents,
My name is Marnie Robbins and I am a senior captain on the Varsity 1 team. I began playing field hockey in 7th grade and my passion for the sport has increased with every year I play. For the past 3 years, I’ve played year round and made an effort to participate in as many tournaments as possible. Now I am writing to all of you on behalf of my parents and myself to make you aware of a danger surrounding the sport.
In the St. Louis Tournament I was hit in the eye and sustained a pretty gruesome laceration on my right eyelid which required 10 stitches. At the College Connection Field Hockey Camp at the University of Massachusetts, I received another stick hit, only this time above my left eyebrow. That gash required 20 stitches, and I had to keep band-aids on the scar to protect it from the sun. In both instances, my eyesight wasn’t damaged, but I was lucky. As my dad said, “You can stitch a face, but you can’t replace an eye.”
I have purchased a face mask, and even though it takes a bit to get used to, it’s well worth the effort. I spoke to several players on a team in St. Louis that also wore the face guards and they said once you get used to them, it truly doesn’t make a difference in how you play the game.
I want to know if any players on our team would also like a mask – I will gladly order them for anyone and everyone. In women’s Lacrosse, face masks are mandatory. Field Hockey is every bit as dangerous. We should take action to protect our faces so you don’t have to learn the hard way like I did.
Thanks,
Marnie Robbins |
Fortunately, protective eyewear is available for just about all activities, allowing today’s athletes to choose from various types of sturdy, lightweight and effective eyewear that is appropriate for their sport. When properly fitted, eyewear does not hinder performance and can prevent the majority of sports-related eye injuries.
As a result of Marnie’s letter, 34 out of 63 girls on the Varsity and Junior High teams have purchased the face mask and are wearing them regularly.
Find out more about protecting your eyes from sports injuries.
Story published with the permission of Prevent Blindness Wisconsin.
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, Prevent Blindness America is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in the United States. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020.
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