Unprotected eyes in squash: Not seeing the risk of injury

R. Eime, C. McCarty, C. F. Finch, N. Owen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

The use of appropriate eyewear in squash can protect the eyes against injury. However, few adult squash players adequately protect their eyes against potential severe injuries. We describe the characteristics of non-users of protective eyewear and examine predictors of appropriate eyewear use. Self-report surveys of adult players were conducted in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Information on players' knowledge, behaviours and attitudes associated with protective eyewear use was collected, in addition to player demographic data. Appropriate eyewear was defined as Standards-approved polycarbonate lens eyewear. The majority 92.2% of players did not adequately protect their eyes while playing squash. Significant predictors of reported eyewear use were; previous eye injury; playing squash on average more than 2 hr per wk; having played for more than 20 y; and having more favourable attitudes towards eye safety in squash. The significant predictors of appropriate eyewear use were: being female; previous eye injury; playing squash on average more than 2 hr per week; and having more favourable attitudes towards eye safety in squash. Understanding the characteristics of both users and non-users of appropriate eye protection in squash is essential for informing future prevention strategies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)92-100
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2005

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Acknowledgements This study was funded by an NHMRC Translational Grant in Injury. Rochelle Eime was funded by an NHMRC Public Health Postgraduate Research Scholarship. Paul Vear from the Victorian Squash Federation is thanked for his contribution to this project.

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