Clinical Study
Eye (2008) 22, 475–478; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702659; published online 1 December 2006
The impact of new regulations on the incidence and severity of ocular injury sustained in hurling
M I Khan1, T Flynn2, E O'Connell1, J Stack3 and S Beatty1
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland
- 2Research Department, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- 3Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
Correspondence: MI Khan, Department of Ophthalmology, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Co Waterford, Ireland. Tel: +353 51 842378; Fax: +353 51 854910; E-mail: mikaeh@gmail.com
Received 8 June 2006; Revised 1 October 2006; Accepted 1 October 2006; Published online 1 December 2006.
Abstract
Aim
To prospectively evaluate, and compare, the incidence of hurling-related eye injuries in the South East of Ireland before and after implementation of new rules rendering the use of protective head gear and face masks compulsory for players aged 18 years or under.
Methods
Details relating to patients attending the regional ophthalmic department with injuries sustained during hurling were prospectively recorded between 1 October 2003 and 31 March 2006.
Results
Sixty players attended with hurling-related ocular injuries during the study period. Of these, 43 (71.6%
) and 17 (28.3%
) sustained the ocular injuries during the 15-month period before, and after implementation of the new rules (1 January 2005), respectively. Restricting our analysis to players aged 18 years or under, and, for statistical validity, to the 12-month period immediately before and immediately after implementation of the new rules, a statistically significant reduction in the number of hurling-related injuries was seen (1 January 2004 to 31 December 2004: 11; 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2005: 2; 
2 test P<0.05) in this age group. A permanent visual deficit was seen in 11 (18.3%
) patients. Of these, one (9%
) was aged 18 years or under, and this injury was sustained before the new regulations.
Conclusion
New rules rendering the use of protective eye wear compulsory for players aged 18 years or under have resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of hurling-related eye injuries in this age group.
Keywords:
hurling, ocular, trauma, injuries, regulations
