Fishing-related ocular trauma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristics of fishing-related ocular injuries.

DESIGN: Retrospective observational analysis of a computerized databank.

METHODS: The United States Eye Injury Registry was used to analyze 143 patients with fishing-related ocular injury. Epidemiologic and clinical information was evaluated including the age and gender of the subjects, classification of ocular trauma, surgical management, and final visual acuity.

RESULTS: Of the 732 cases of sport-related ocular trauma, 143 (19.54%) occurred while fishing; of these, 79% were male patients who ranged in age from 6 to 68 years (mean, 37 years). Corneal laceration, globe rupture, and hyphema were the most common diagnoses at presentation and were caused by fishing hooks, lures, and weights. Thirty-five bystanders are included in the study. Thirty-eight percent of patients had visual acuity less than 20/50, and 21% had a visual acuity of less than 20/200. Open globe injuries portended a poor visual outcome compared with closed globe injuries.

CONCLUSIONS: Fishing-related ocular injuries represent a large percent of sports-related trauma, often resulting in significant visual loss. Preventive measures such as the use of protective eyewear should be advised in this activity.