CR Murali Krishna, 56, a fitness coach in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has loved to pick up trending techniques and novel physical training activities to keep himself in health and shape. He remembers what happened to him during one such venture a few years ago. “In 2008, I experienced an unexpected eye injury while practising the Brazilian martial art form, Capoeira. I got kicked in my left eye by the opponent during the demonstration.”
Murali Krishna was rushed to hospital. A collapsed eyeball, torn muscles, damaged bones around the eye, and blurred vision warranted an emergency surgery. After all that, he was left with double vision when looking sideways or down. He also developed numbness near the left eyebrow.
Playing it safe
Doctors advised him not to drive vehicles or engage in any physical activity for a few weeks to avoid putting pressure on the eye. Six weeks after the surgery, Murali Krishna was back at the gym and also to practising martial arts, but with care. He took all precautions to avoid any further damage to his eyes.
He was advised to relax the facial muscles, correct his posture, and while lifting weights, to gradually increase the size so as to avoid strain on the muscles.
Now Murali Krishna emphasises hydration, diet, and sleep for individuals as they keep people alert with quick reflexes. Thus the three are important in preventing injuries.
Vision rehabilitation
In 2014, six years after the incident, Murali Krishna started learning and applying acupuncture techniques, which cleared his problem of double vision. He can see clearly without glasses and has recovered sensation in the area that had gone numb.
Wiser from his personal experience of suffering serious injuries and a remarkable turnaround, Murali Krishna has now become a rehabilitation therapist in addition to being a fitness trainer, guiding people in their health quest. An important part of his training is how to activate one’s muscles and enjoy exercises.
Many injuries are avoidable
According to a study published in 2021 by the International Journal of Ophthalmology, globally over 600,000 people suffer eye injuries while participating in sports and recreational activities mainly because they did not take precautions.
The study suggests that 90 per cent of cases of vision impairment could have been avoided if those individuals had worn suitable eye protection gear.
Sports-related eye injuries refer to any injury caused to the eyes, eyelids, or surrounding soft tissues while the individuals played sports. The reasons include blunt trauma, penetrating injuries and corneal infections.
Blunt eye trauma
This occurs when a blunt object like a football, a baseball, or a boxer’s punch directly hits the eyeball or fractures the bony structure around the eyes.
Dr Kareeshma Wadia, an ophthalmologist from Jehan Eye Clinic, Mumbai, Maharashtra, says, “Blunt eye trauma results in redness of the eye, swelling, blurring of vision and pain. The area around the eyes may turn black.”
Penetrating eye injury
A penetrating eye injury occurs when a deep cut is caused by the edge of a hockey stick or a racquet. “It results in severe damage to the internal structures of the eye like sclera and retina, leading to permanent vision loss,” says Dr Wadia.
“The individual may have eye discharge like tears, sensitivity to light, decreased vision, double vision, discomfort during eye movements, flashes or floaters,” says Dr Anshikaa P, an ophthalmologist from Mumbai.
Corneal infections
Dr Wadia says corneal infection is caused by an organism called acanthamoeba, commonly found in swimming pools. It can result in permanent visual impairment. If there is redness after exposure to water bodies, it is important to consult a doctor and avoid using eye drops containing steroids, which may worsen the condition.
Diagnostic approaches
“During diagnosis, the extent of injury or the presence of foreign objects like broken glass pieces is examined,” says Dr Anshikaa.
Early ocular examination and treatment, along with timely visit to an ophthalmologist, can speed up recovery and reduce long-term visual impairment caused by eye injuries. Therefore, it is crucial not to delay consulting an eye specialist, assuming that vision is not affected by then.
The doctor takes detailed images of the eyes and associated structures for injuries. In addition, eye pressure and clarity of vision are also examined.
Preventive measures
Dr Anshikaa and Dr Wadia suggest a few precautions to take to avoid serious injuries to eyes.
- Wear protective eye gear with a sturdy frame made of a fracture-resistant material like polycarbonate.
- Avoid wearing eyewear made of glass, contact lenses, or sunglasses as they do not protect the eye during a sports activity, but instead may cause damage.
A study published in 2021 by researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine states that eye protection made of polycarbonate lenses provides 20 times more protection than regular glasses.
- Wear a helmet with eyewear for sports like football and bicycling.
- In the case of a penetrating eye injury, do not touch the eyes. Cover them with protective gear to prevent further damage; and consult a doctor immediately.
- Applying a cold compress reduces pain and swelling caused by blunt eye trauma. Place an ice cube in a cloth and gently dab it over the closed eyes.
- While in a swimming pool, a pair of goggles can protect the eyes from contacting harmful chlorinated water. They also prevent corneal infection. Avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming as they can be a medium for the growth of microbial organisms.
