Why eye injuries happen in rugby
Rugby is one of the contact sports with the highest rates of eye and facial injuries. The absence of helmets or face shields means the eye region is exposed during every phase of play. Fingers, elbows, knees, and even the ball itself can strike the eye area with considerable force. The ruck and maul are particularly high-risk phases — players jostling for ball position often make inadvertent contact with the face. Tackles involving a high arm or swinging elbow also pose a significant risk.
Types of eye injuries in rugby
| Injury | What it is | Common cause in rugby |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal abrasion | A scratch on the clear front surface of the eye (cornea). Causes sharp pain, tearing, and sensitivity to light. | Finger or fingernail contact during rucks, mauls, or when hands make contact with the face during tackles. |
| Subconjunctival haemorrhage | Bleeding under the thin membrane covering the white of the eye. Looks alarming (bright red patch) but is usually painless. | Direct blunt force to the eye area, or even straining and coughing after impact. |
| Periorbital contusion (black eye) | Bruising and swelling of the soft tissue around the eye socket. The classic "shiner" from a direct blow. | Elbow, knee, or shoulder contact to the face during tackles, rucks, or accidental head clashes. |
| Orbital blowout fracture | A fracture of the thin bone forming the floor or wall of the eye socket. The eye socket absorbs impact by fracturing its thinnest wall, potentially trapping eye muscles. | A direct blow from a fist-sized object (elbow, knee) that compresses the eye within its socket. |
| Hyphaema | Bleeding into the front chamber of the eye (between the cornea and iris). Visible as a layer of blood. | Significant blunt force to the eye — a high-energy impact during collision. |
| Retinal detachment | The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye peels away from its supporting tissue. Causes flashes, floaters, and a "curtain" across vision. | Severe blunt trauma to the eye or head. Rare but a true ophthalmic emergency. |
Red flags — when to seek emergency care
Immediate management on the field
- Remove the player from the field immediately. Do not allow continued play until the eye has been assessed.
- Do not press on or rub the eye — this can worsen corneal abrasions and increase bleeding in more serious injuries.
- If there is swelling, apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth to the area around the eye (not directly on the eyeball) for 10–15 minutes.
- For a corneal abrasion: the player will likely be in significant pain with tearing and light sensitivity. Keep the eye closed, avoid touching it, and arrange medical review. Do not attempt to remove a foreign body with fingers or cotton buds.
- For suspected orbital fracture: advise the player not to blow their nose — this can force air from the sinuses into the tissues around the eye, causing sudden dramatic swelling (surgical emphysema) and potentially worsening the fracture.
- For a black eye with no red flags: cold compress, rest, and review if symptoms worsen. Most periorbital contusions resolve within 1–2 weeks.
- Document the mechanism and symptoms clearly for the medical team.
Recovery timelines
2–5 days
Corneal abrasion
most heal within a few days with lubricant drops
1–3 weeks
Black eye
bruising resolves gradually; monitor for deeper injury
6–12 weeks
Orbital fracture
depending on severity and whether surgery is needed
Protective eyewear for rugby
World Rugby permits the use of approved protective eyewear (goggles) during matches and training. These goggles are designed to absorb and distribute impact forces away from the eye. They are particularly recommended for players who have had previous eye injuries, players with vision in only one eye, and players who wear prescription lenses. World Rugby maintains a list of approved goggle models that meet their safety and performance standards. The goggles must not have sharp edges, must stay securely on the face, and must not pose a risk to other players.
Contact lenses and rugby
Many rugby players wear contact lenses during matches and training. Daily disposable soft lenses are the preferred option — they are less likely to dislodge than rigid lenses, and if lost during play, they are inexpensive to replace. Players who wear contact lenses should carry spare lenses and lens solution in their kit bag. If a lens is dislodged during play, the player should not attempt to reinsert it on the field with dirty hands. Remove the lens, continue with one eye if safe to do so (or leave the field), and reinsert a fresh lens after washing hands thoroughly.