Ask any long-term squash player if they have ever had an eye injury or barely escaped such an injury and the answer is invariably “yes.” So why is there a reluctance by some to not protect their eyes on the court?

During a recent “Team New Mexico” outing to Las Vegas, I noticed several opponents who chose not to wear eye protectors. I played a diabetic player who had already undergone eye laser surgery for diabetic eye disease who did not wear protection. Perhaps, as Randy Kahn observed the international game, the lack of mandatory eyewear rules, and exposure to touring pros, influences many not to protect their eyes. “If the pros don’t, why should I?”

Mandatory eye protection is less likely in foreign countries. In Quebec, only 25% of squash clubs mandate eye protection. Often less than 50% of foreign players wear eye protection. However, a survey in Australia indicated that only 6% of queried players would give up the sport if mandatory rules were enforced.

In Berlin, a study of all sports-related eye injuries indicates that squash leads the way with 33% of injuries compared to 18% due to soccer and 14% due to tennis. The squash ball is a menacing missile to the eye. It is small enough to fit perfectly within the protective orbital rim. Even at low speeds, it can cause significant damage to the eye. Many ball-related injuries occur when you miss hit your own shot. However, some studies indicate that nearly 60% of eye injuries are caused by the racquet. Combine racquets, balls, elbows and heads in a confined area during a hotly contested squash match and the potential for injury to the eye is high.

Let me describe a few things that often happen with blunt eye injuries. Most often there is bleeding inside the eye that takes days to absorb. Surgery may be necessary to drain the blood. Glaucoma can develop from the bleeding both immediately and long term. Daily eye drops or even further surgery, often with a loss of peripheral vision, are not unusual with glaucoma. A cataract is common after direct eye injury. Only surgery can correct cataracts. Retinal detachment is another common problem requiring major eye surgery with a definite chance that good vision won’t be obtained. Persistent double vision is possible. A ruptured globe is very likely. At best this results in an unsightly eye and often requires the eye to be removed.

I applaud the local clubs and tournaments that mandate eye protection. I challenge all of you “heady” squash types to always wear approved eye protectors whenever in the court. Please don’t count on your prescription glasses totally protect you. See the light now or you may