CR Murali Krishna, a 56-year-old fitness instructor from Bengaluru, Karnataka, has always been interested by contemporary tactics and creative physical training exercises to keep in shape. However, one such expedition in 2008 left him with an unforeseen eye injury while learning Capoeira, a Brazilian martial technique. During a demonstration, Murali Krishna sustained a strong kick to his left eye from his opponent, resulting in a collapsed eyeball, torn muscles, broken bones surrounding the eye, and clouded eyesight. This terrible incidence needed an emergency operation and resulted to double vision and paralysis around his left eyebrow.
After weeks of rehabilitation, Murali Krishna, anxious to return to his love for fitness and martial arts, got helpful advise from his physicians. They encouraged him to avoid driving and other intense activity to safeguard his recovering eye. With extreme care, he resumed his gym regimen and martial arts training, taking special steps to avoid future eye injury. He learnt to relax his face muscles, improve his posture, and progressively increase weights to reduce pressure on his muscles.
Murali Krishna’s experience encouraged him to highlight the necessity of water, food, and proper sleep to keep folks awake and boost their reflexes, thereby lowering the danger of injury. Not only did he recover from his trauma, but he also dived into mastering acupuncture methods in 2014, which astonishingly removed his double vision and returned feeling in the previously numb region.
Armed with insights from his own story of overcoming significant injuries, Murali Krishna broadened his knowledge to become a rehabilitation therapist, complementing his work as a fitness trainer. His training sessions now concentrate on how to engage one’s muscles properly and enjoy workouts safely.
Unfortunately, eye injuries during sports and leisure activities remain a worldwide issue. A research published in the International Journal of Ophthalmology in 2021 found that over 600,000 individuals suffer from eye damage owing to inadequate protection when engaging in such sports. Astonishingly, 90 percent of vision impairment cases may have been averted by just wearing adequate eye protective gear.
Sports-related eye injuries cover different sorts, including blunt eye damage, penetrating eye injuries, and corneal infections. Blunt eye trauma occurs when a direct impact from a blunt item, such a football or baseball, affects the eyeball or the bony structures around the eyes. On the other side, a penetrating eye injury is caused by a deep cut from sports equipment like a hockey stick or racquet, leading to serious damage to internal eye structures and probable irreversible vision loss. Additionally, corneal infections may arise from exposure to organisms like acanthamoeba, typically present in swimming pools, possibly causing irreversible vision impairment.
To avoid such injuries, professionals like Dr. Kareeshma Wadia, an ophthalmologist from Jehan Eye Clinic, Mumbai, and Dr. Anshikaa P, an ophthalmologist from Mumbai, highlight the necessity of wearing protective eye gear composed of fracture-resistant materials like polycarbonate. Ordinary eyewear like glass lenses, contact lenses, or sunglasses may not offer appropriate protection during sporting activities and might potentially cause to injury. Studies done by experts at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine reveal that polycarbonate lenses give 20 times more protection than ordinary glasses.
When indulging in high-risk activities like football or biking, combining a helmet with eyeglasses may further shield the eyes. In the instance of a penetrating eye injury, it’s vital not to touch the damaged eye but rather to cover it with protective clothing immediately and seek medical assistance soon. For traumatic eye damage, providing a cold compress may help decrease discomfort and swelling; gently dabbing an ice cube wrapped in cloth over the closed eyes gives relief.
When swimming, wearing goggles is vital to protect the eyes from dangerous chlorinated water and avoid corneal infections. Avoiding the use of contact lenses when swimming is also suggested, since they may become a breeding ground for microscopic organisms.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment serve a key role in decreasing long-term vision impairment caused by eye injuries. Seeking quick contact with an ophthalmologist following any eye injury, regardless of its apparent severity, is vital to achieve the best possible result for recovery.
Conclusion, safeguarding our eyes during sports and leisure activities is vital. Learning from Murali Krishna’s experience and the frightening data on eye injuries, it is obvious that preventative actions, such as wearing suitable eye protection gear and exercising prudence, may considerably minimize the chance of major eye injuries. Prioritizing eye safety can not only increase sports performance but also contribute to a lifetime of good vision.