In brief Encounters with balls, fingers, elbows are common mechanisms of eye injury in patients who participate in sports. A careful history and a systematic approach to the eye examination are important steps when diagnosing and treating eye injuries on the playing field or in the office. Seemingly minor injuries require close scrutiny because severe underlying injury may not be obvious. Patients should be encouraged to protect their eyes during high-risk activities, as this can reduce the number and severity of eye injuries.