Baseball-related ocular injuries in the United States: a 10-year analysis

ABSTRACT Background To analyze the incidence of baseball-related ocular injuries, mechanisms commonly associated with precipitating trauma, and secondary visual sequelae, and explore the age and sex-specific variations in the distributions of these variables. Methods Baseball-related ocular injuries presenting to the emergency department (ED) were identified using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for 2011 through 2020. Age, sex, diagnosis, mechanism of injury, visual sequela, and patient disposition were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed using the chi-square test and Fisher exact test. Results 558 ED presentations were captured, translating to an average national incidence of 1,492 events. The incidence of trauma declined notably. Most encounters involved pediatric (≤18) and male patients (82.6% and 87.6%, respectively). Patients commonly presented with contusions or abrasions (41.4%). Contact with the baseball was the most frequently mentioned mechanism of injury (87.6%). There was a significant age-related (P = 0.009) difference in the distributions of diagnoses. 7.3% of patients had a visual sequela. Conclusions There was a declining incidence of baseball-related ocular injuries presenting to the ED. However, the long-term complications of injuries could not be explored. Further efforts are required to understand the implications of ocular injuries to ensure patients receive appropriate protections.