Trends in Hockey-Related Ocular Trauma.
Protective goggles were reported in only 2% of hockey-related eye injury cases.
Trends in Hockey-Related Ocular Trauma.
IMPORTANCE: While hockey has been listed as a leading sport associated with eye injuries by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, characterization of hockey-related ocular trauma and injury severity and type remain limited.
To characterize epidemiologic trends and hockey-related ocular trauma in the US.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January 2004 to December 2023 using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System).
A total of 215 cases were identified, extrapolating to 6466 US cases (95% CI, 3736-9195) over the last 20 years.
Of 215 patients, 169 were male (79%), 148 were pediatric (<18 years; 69%), and 178 had equipment-related trauma (83%).
Injury incidence was similar among ice (23 [11%]), field (21 [10%]), and street hockey (23 [11%]).
Pediatric patients had more minor anterior segment injuries (95 of 148) compared with adults (31 of 67; 64% vs 46%; difference, 18%; 95% CI, 3.8-31.9; P = .02), while adult patients had more major posterior segment injuries (4 of 67; 6% vs 0%; difference, 6%; 95% CI, 1.6-14.4; P = .009).
Hockey-related eye injuries can be severe and vision threatening. Optimal care may require prompt and thorough assessment and appropriate management of ocular and periorbital trauma.
The low prevalence of reported goggle use in this investigation supports the need for greater awareness and advocacy for protective eyewear to reduce the risk of vision-threatening hockey-related injuries.