Ophthalmologist warned about the dangers to vision when skating

Ice skating remains one of the most popular winter activities, but it carries the risk of serious eye and socket injuries. Lidiya Sadulayeva, an ophthalmologist at the 3Z clinic in Moscow, told Izvestia about this on January 16.

According to the expert, falls and collisions on ice, accompanied by a blow to the face or head, can lead to severe consequences for vision. These range from superficial hemorrhages to urgent conditions such as retrobulbar hemorrhage or orbital compartment syndrome, in which pressure in the orbit rapidly increases and vision deteriorates in a matter of hours.

"Intraocular hemorrhages are often manifested by the sudden appearance of floating opacities and a sharp decrease in visual clarity. Of particular concern should be symptoms such as flashes of light, a feeling of shrouding or loss of visual fields after an impact, which may indicate a rupture or detachment of the retina," the expert noted.

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When providing first aid, the main rule is not to do any harm. In no case should you rub or put pressure on the injured eye. It should be protected with a rigid shield, such as a makeshift cap that does not exert pressure on the eyeball, and the victim should be taken to a specialized ophthalmological emergency room as soon as possible.

The doctor also stressed that head trauma is often accompanied by neurological symptoms: double vision, a noticeable difference in pupil size, increasing headache, repeated vomiting and severe drowsiness after a fall. When they appear, urgent medical attention is required.

As a preventive measure, Sadulayeva recommends observing discipline on the ice and using protective equipment. The helmet significantly reduces the risk of serious consequences in case of a fall, and sports glasses made of impact-resistant polycarbonate are the most effective for eye protection. It is especially important to pay attention to them during active skating, games and group activities, including among children.

Somnologist Elena Kolesnichenko, in an interview with Izvestia on November 26, spoke about the effect of lighting on sleep. According to her, problems falling asleep and morning drowsiness can be associated not only with stress, but also with exposure to bright evening light, which suppresses melatonin production and shifts the biological clock.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.