Getting retinal detachment from Kendo?

[onitsuka]

Hi, does anyone heard of people having their retina detached after playing kendo? In practice, you get hit on the head everyday. I asked because I do have problem with my retina. It is very thin and I had surgery before to avoid detachment. So anyone has similar condition? I don't have bogu yet, so I don't get hit yet. Thank you very much in advance.

[Charlie]

Hm! That's an important concern! I would think the men would completely protect you but then I'm not sure. I'd get a doctor's advice. Maybe some extra padding is necessary.

[Flashman]

Here's (http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030401/1481.html) a link to eye injuries in sport. Fencing is considered high risk and full contact martial arts are considered very high risk. Kendo is not specifically mentioned and I was unable to find anything on Medline. (Heel injuries dominate the medical literature with some neck structure injuries reported during tsuki).

Overall opinion, with the disclaimer that I'm not an opthalmologist and not familiar with your individual facts, retinal detachment would be statistically more likely. As always, consult with your individual physician.

[stinkyKote]

I've heard of the 'retina detaching' from a few of my sensei once or twice ...apparently you're at a higher risk if you start kendo later in life ... I've heard second hand of one or two people in my dojo having to stop playing kendo because of this problem.

here's a link to a site discussing some of the early warning symptoms:

http://www.theretinasource.com/conditions/retinal_detachment.htm

[onitsuka]

I have also checked with the medical journals, and all of them reporting retinal detachments due to direct trauma to eye ball. None of them, at least I haven't find it yet, reporting detachment by indirect trauma to the head. So I am not sure if the shock I am receiving can cause detachment. I have consult my dr, but he only tell me to be careful, and he also can't find journal support of indirect trauma case. The link that Flashman gave me said fencing is high risk, because they are afraid the tip of the sword will poke through the eye. As with other sports that if your eye get hit by the ball directly, it will cause injury. So if any one can find some body has situation like me, I really like to talk to them to share information. Thank you all of you for caring and kindness.

[tanueirin]

If you are extremely short-sighted and hence more at risk of retinal detachment, you should avoid activities that place a lot of pressure on the eye eg. bungee jumping, sky-diving etc.
Decreasing your sugar intake helps a lot as well.
- (All advice from my optometrist)
If you suspect you have a detached retina, you should get it fixed within 24 hours for best results.

[Yowai]

[QUOTE=Flashman] Here's (http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030401/1481.html)

Thanks Flashman; the site was very pleasant. The fish hook one is very unfortunate. Imagine if the person continued to throw the line and pulled the eyeball right out. Quite a catch :)