Catastrophic Eye Injury in a Football Player

In brief

Although catastrophic eye injuries are rare in collegiate football, this varsity defensive tackle sustained a giant inferior retinal tear with a partially detached retina when another player's thumb went through his face mask. The retina was surgically repaired, and the player's vision in that eye is 20/20 with a contact lens. He continues to play football as an offensive tackle.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eberhard H. Heinrichs

Dr. Heinrichs is associate professor in the departments of family medicine and pediatrics and adolescent medicine, medical director of the student health service, and team physician for the varsity football team at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.

John R. Willcockson

Dr. Willcockson is clinical associate professor in the department of ophthalmology at the University of South Dakota in Yankton.