Ocular protection in squash clubs: time for a change?

Abstract

All squash clubs in the West Midlands were surveyed by postal questionnaire to determine their level of awareness to the risk of ocular injury. Of the 100 clubs surveyed, 51 questionnaires were returned. None of the clubs responding had any information warning of the potential hazards of ocular injury. Thirteen of the clubs had sporting goods shops; of these, three sold protective eye-wear. Significantly, all three stocked the open or lenseless type of eye-guard and only one had the guards with impact-resistant plastic lenses. The majority of clubs (96%) expressed a desire for further information. It is concluded that: (1) players are not warned of the hazards of playing without appropriate eye protection, (2) hazardous eye-guards (open type) continue to be sold, and (3) there is a desire to improve the safety of the sport.