Eye injuries in sports can be particularly devastating due to the delicate nature of the eye and the potential for permanent vision loss. Here are ten of the worst eye injuries in modern sports:
- Bryce Florie (MLB, 2000)
- Incident: Pitcher Bryce Florie was struck in the face by a line drive off the bat of Ryan Thompson.
- Injury: The impact resulted in multiple facial fractures and a damaged retina. He required extensive surgery to repair the damage.
- Outcome: Florie attempted a comeback but never fully regained his previous level of play and eventually retired.
- Chris Pronger (NHL, 2000)
- Incident: During a playoff game, Pronger was hit in the chest by a puck, causing his heart to temporarily stop. However, later in his career, Pronger sustained a significant eye injury.
- Injury: In 2011, Pronger was struck in the eye by a high stick, leading to severe eye damage and post-concussion symptoms.
- Outcome: Pronger’s vision problems and symptoms forced him to retire from professional hockey.
- Tony Conigliaro (MLB, 1967)
- Incident: Tony Conigliaro, a promising young outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, was hit by a pitch thrown by Jack Hamilton.
- Injury: The pitch struck Conigliaro in the face, causing a fractured cheekbone, dislocated jaw, and severe damage to his left retina.
- Outcome: Although Conigliaro made a comeback, he was never the same player and his career was shortened due to lingering vision problems.
- Marc Staal (NHL, 2013)
- Incident: Defenseman Marc Staal was struck in the eye by a deflected puck during a game.
- Injury: The impact caused a serious eye injury, including a detached retina.
- Outcome: Staal missed significant time and suffered from vision problems but eventually returned to play with the aid of protective visors.
- Rudy Tomjanovich (NBA, 1977)
- Incident: During an on-court altercation, Rudy Tomjanovich was punched in the face by Kermit Washington.
- Injury: The punch caused multiple facial fractures and a life-threatening skull fracture, which included serious damage to his eye and jaw.
- Outcome: Tomjanovich required extensive surgery and a long recovery period. While he returned to play, he was never quite the same.
- Henrik Zetterberg (NHL, 2006)
- Incident: During the Winter Olympics, Henrik Zetterberg was hit in the eye by a high stick.
- Injury: The injury caused a serious cut and required stitches, as well as causing significant bruising and swelling.
- Outcome: Zetterberg recovered and continued his career, but the incident highlighted the dangers of eye injuries in hockey.
- Gordan Hayward (NBA, 2017)
- Incident: While primarily known for his severe leg injury, Hayward also suffered a serious eye injury when he was accidentally poked in the eye during a game.
- Injury: The poke resulted in a scratched cornea, causing significant pain and temporary vision issues.
- Outcome: Hayward recovered from the eye injury and continued his NBA career.
- Manny Machado (MLB, 2014)
- Incident: While swinging, Manny Machado was hit in the eye by a deflected foul ball.
- Injury: The impact caused a scratched cornea and significant swelling.
- Outcome: Machado missed some games but fully recovered from the injury and continued his career at a high level.
- Paul Kariya (NHL, 1999)
- Incident: Paul Kariya was hit in the face by a high stick, causing a severe cut around his eye.
- Injury: The cut required stitches, and Kariya suffered a concussion as well, affecting his vision and overall health.
- Outcome: Kariya returned to play but faced ongoing issues with concussions and eventually retired due to these injuries.
- Alex Tanguay (NHL, 2009)
- Incident: Alex Tanguay was hit in the eye by a high stick during a game.
- Injury: The impact caused significant damage to his eye, including a scratched cornea.
- Outcome: Tanguay missed several games but recovered and continued his career, with the injury serving as a reminder of the importance of eye protection in hockey.
Conclusion
Eye injuries in sports can have serious and lasting consequences, affecting athletes’ careers and quality of life. The incidents listed above highlight the importance of protective gear and safety measures to prevent such injuries. As sports continue to evolve, advancements in protective equipment and rule changes aim to reduce the risk of eye injuries and ensure the safety of athletes.