From Field to Fundus: A Peripheral Retinal Tear Following Football-Related Ocular Trauma

Sports-related ocular trauma is an important cause of preventable visual morbidity, particularly in contact sports such as football (soccer). Although many injuries initially present with mild anterior segment findings, significant posterior segment pathology may coexist and can be easily overlooked. We report the case of a 17-year-old male football player who presented with left eye pain, blurred vision, and periorbital bleeding following blunt ocular trauma during a football match. Examination revealed traumatic mydriasis with anterior uveitis, subconjunctival hemorrhage with conjunctival laceration and exposed Tenon's tissue, as well as commotio retinae with a peripheral horseshoe-shaped retinal tear. No retinal detachment was identified. The patient underwent prompt laser retinopexy and received topical anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapy, resulting in favorable anatomical and visual outcomes. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion in sports-related ocular trauma, as relatively subtle anterior segment findings may mask significant posterior segment injury. Careful and systematic anterior and posterior segment examination, including peripheral retinal evaluation, is essential to avoid missing sight-threatening complications and to ensure timely intervention.