Eye Injuries

The World Squash Federation Annual in October 1997 approved a motion making it compulsory for eye protection to be worn by all players in World Junior Championships from 1 January 1999. Also the new rules of the World Doubles Game which are effective from the 10th of October, 1997 make the wearing of eye protection mandatory for all games at all times.

THE OVERVIEW:

The risk of serious eye injury in Squash is very low, but one in every three players will receive some form of injury of this type in their playing life. However, the risk of a player being blinded in Squash is TOTALLY AVOIDABLE. The consequences of a momentary lapse of concentration, or an accident, causing a lifetime of blindness are too severe.

WHAT IS THE RISK?

Serious cases of eye injury result in hospital treatment. So there are many studies on injuries through sport, some on eye injury in sport, but few on eye injuries through Squash.  

WHO IS AT RISK?

All players. No exceptions. Often beginners are less vulnerable because they do not turn around to watch their opponent. Better players keep their eye on the ball at all times and can be more at risk. Good players do get injured.

WHAT CAUSES THE ACCIDENT?

Most players receive minor injuries to the eyebrow and eye surround from racket blows which do not require any more treatment than a dressing (like Mr. Mukesh Desai,  a squash player from Juhu Centaur, Mumbai). Sometimes more serious accidents happen with the racket, but two thirds of all serious accidents, and almost all blind eyes, are caused by the ball.

WHY JUNIORS?

The WSF believes that making eye protection compulsory for Junior players in World Championships is the right route to start cultivating safe habits. Juniors accept the situation more easily than adults who have played for years without protection.

The  challenge is to make eye protection in Squash fashionable - cool as the kids would say. They wear knee pads and elbow protection when they roller-blade,  Crash helmets when they cycle or play hockey.. They are all part of the dress code and are seen as adding to the sport not detracting from it. And, in your judgement, which is the more serious - a grazed knee, a broken elbow, a missing tooth, a cut head and concussion or a blind eye?

THE FINAL FACTS

In Canada over 60% of adults wear eye protectors. The incidence of Squash inflicted blindness has disappeared.  Eye protectors have to be made compulsory in India also.