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Latest Research
Research Details
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| Research Title: |
Unprotected eyes in squash: not seeing the risk of injury. |
| Type of Research: |
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| Category: |
Protective Equipment
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| Keywords: |
Attitude
Eye Protection
Squash
protective eyewear
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| Author(s): |
R Eime, C McCarty, CF Finch & N Owen |
| Author(s) Bio Box: |
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| Release Date: |
23 February 2006 |
| Research Summary/Text: |
The use of appropriate eyewear in squash can protect the eyes against injury. However, few adult squash players use the relatively inexpensive Standards-approved polycarbonate lens eyewear suitable for the sport.
A self-completed, anonymous survey was administered in approximately 50% of all squash venues throughout metropolitan Melbourne and a sample of players that is representative of adult community level squash players was attained (n=1163). The survey collected information about: basic player demographics; squash playing history; self-report previous injury; use of protective eyewear; related knowledge and attitudes associated with protective eyewear.
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| Research Objectives: |
The aim of the study was to identify the players who do not wear appropriate protective eyewear and to describe their reasons for not doing so, as well as determining the significant predictors of protective eyewear use.
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| Research Outcomes: |
The majority of players (92.2%) did not adequately protect their eyes while playing squash. While this included players who chose not to wear protective eyewear, it also includes players who wrongly believe they are protecting their eyes through the use of inappropriate eyewear such as prescription glasses, open-eyeguards, industrial eyewear, and contact lenses.
The study identified the following characteristics of players who used appropriate eyewear protection: being female; previous eye injury; playing squash on average more than 2 hours per week; having played for more than 20 years; and having more favourable attitudes towards eye safety in squash.
Those least likely to wear appropriate eyewear protection are younger, casual male squash players. While the most common reasons for not wearing appropriate protective eyewear were associated with the design and comfort of the eyewear, few of these players had actually ever tried wearing it. There was a lack of knowledge of what eyewear actually is suitable for protection during play. Many players perceived eye injury risk on the squash court as very low and did not consider eye protection to be necessary.
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| Research Implications: |
Unlike some sports injuries, eye injuries in squash can be easily and quite cheaply prevented. As a priority, appropriate eyewear should be readily available at squash venues for players to borrow or purchase. Giving players the opportunity to try different types of eyewear would help address some of the perceived barriers of comfort and design. This and other strategies should also aim to inform players of what is appropriate eyewear for use on the squash court.
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