Surfboard-related eye injuries in New South Wales: a 1-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of surfboard-related eye injuries (SREIs) in New South Wales in 1 year. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective questionnaire-based study of SREIs through reporting on injuries, treatment and outcomes by ophthalmologists and ophthalmology trainees in NSW and by patients of all ages with any SREIs on risk factors for SREIs that occurred between 30 December 2010 and 30 December 2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence, nature and severity of SREIs, defined as any injury to the eye, orbit or eyelid caused by a surfboard. RESULTS 10 cases of SREIs were reported. Eight patients were male. The mean age of injured patients was 35.4 years. Two of the patients were children. Patients often had a combination of ophthalmic injuries. There were two globe ruptures, four fractured orbits, one case of fibreglass foreign bodies in the orbit and six eyelid lacerations. SREIs were caused by all sharp projections of the surfboard including the nose, fins and tail. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that surfing carries a small risk of eye trauma and helps to describe and quantify SREIs. A fifth of the SREIs we report were severe. Surfboard modification and protective eyewear may help reduce the risk of SREIs.