Prognostic factors and visual outcomes in badminton-related ocular injuries: A retrospective study

To evaluate a large cohort of eye patients from India for the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and visual outcomes of ocular injuries sustained while playing badminton.

Medical records of patients presenting with badminton-related ocular injuries were reviewed to compare the predicted visual outcome with that stipulated by the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS). The patients' data on demographics, mode of injury, clinical evaluation, and treatment modalities were compiled, analysed and interpreted to contrast alongside OTS, the standardised prediction of visual outcomes after indexing the severity of eye injury.

A total of 486 patients were included. Blunt trauma from being hit by badminton shuttlecock was the most common mechanism, followed by racquet injury, and spectacle injury. Closed-globe injury was predominant (97.33%). None of the players were using protective eyewear. Visual prognosis was generally favourable in closed-globe injury (mean final BCVA 0.32 ± 0.56 logMAR) compared to open-globe injury (0.46 ± 0.68 logMAR). Significant predictors of visual outcome included presenting BCVA, early post-injury BCVA, cataract, secondary glaucoma, optic disc involvement, iridodialysis, and OTS. OTS categories 3-5 showed better visual outcomes than predicted by the original OTS model.

Closed-globe injury represented the most common injury in badminton-related ophthalmic trauma. Initial visual acuity, lens status, optic disc involvement, secondary glaucoma, eye surgery performed, OTS score and posterior segment injury were statistically significant in predicting final visual outcomes. Additionally, this study emphasizes how important it is to use protective glasses when playing badminton.