Preventive measures against ocular trauma in squash courts

Aim: Squash-ball induced trauma is an important cause of severe ocular inju ries. Fortunately they can be prevented by wearing of protective goggles. T he aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of these protective devices in Swiss Squash Clubs. Methods: A detailed questionnaire was sent to all Squash Clubs in Switzerla nd (n=82). The solicited information comprised: the possibility to buy prot ective goggles in the proshop, presence of posters in the club encouraging the members to wear protective goggles, assessment of the risk of ocular tr auma by a squash ball (high or low), and the evaluation of ocular sequelae after squash ball injury. Results: In the French-speaking part of Switzerland 35% of the clubs respon ded, whereas the percentage in the German-speaking part was 32% did. Of all the clubs who returned the questionnaire only one was found to sell protec tive goggles in the sports centre (4%). Two further clubs had posters encou raging the players to wear eye protection (7%). Three other clubs in the Fr ench-speaking area and two in the German-speaking area planned to introduce these measures (18%). 63% of the clubs considered the risk of an ocular in jury to be low, 7% even as very low. Only 26% of the clubs who returned the questionnaire considered the risk to be much higher. Conclusion: The interest of squash clubs in protective eye wear is very low , as the risks for a serious ocular injury are underrated. It is therefore important: to bring the danger of racket sports to the attention of patient s.