Molecular orchestration of sports eye and its problems: towards a brighter vision

Vision, the ability to see, engages in almost all real-world tasks, including sports. Superior sports vision in athletes determines their success in sports events, while sports activities improve the vision, eye health, and eye problems of sports enthusiasts and athletes [1]. Despite these favorable interplays, environmental exposures during sports (e.g., sunlight) and sports eye injuries may pose great threats to players’ health, probably followed by lifelong sequelae, such as dry eye, glaucoma, or loss of vision. Epidemiological evidence suggests a significant number of sports players encounter sports eye injuries, which is particularly higher in younger players. Eye problems, such as retinal detachment, corneal abrasions, and optical nerve damage, are particularly prevalent in ball, water, and contact sports players. While sports eyewear or face shield has been proven as an effective protective strategy, very limited sports have been implementing rules on eye protection during sports activities. Either medication, surgery, or their combination could be used for the treatment of sports eye injuries or problems in a severity-dependent manner. In the treatment of eye problems, such as dry eye, glaucoma, and eye injuries, eye drops offer a unique delivery approach of medications. Antibiotic, steroid, and lubricating eye drops may be given following an eye injury, problem, or surgery. However, the eye drops for treating acute and long-lasting sports eye problems are still limited due to the unclear pathogenesis of sports eye problems and their recovery, particularly for the return to superior sports vision. There is an unmet need to decipher the molecular mechanisms of sports vision and eye problems.

Funding Source: UGC - Other Specific Funds/Earmarked Grants^