boxing question and eyes

[Jared]

I just started boxing last week, and during a sparring session I was hit in the eye a couple of times by accident. Nothing happened at first, but the next day I started seeing small black tendrils in the corner of my vision whenever I move my eye. They aren't there when I say stare at a fixed object though, and I can see fine with no pain. I set up an appointment with an eye doctor, but for now I wanted to try and get opinions on if anyone has had this happen before, and what does it mean/what did you do to cure it?

[Tom Yum]

Were you wearing head gear while sparring? If not, PLEASE do. Imagine as if you were practicing football - wear your gear. If so, keep your hands up at all times!

Go to the doctor ASAP. Hope everything turns out ok.

[Jared]

Yes, I was wearing headgear at the time. Full protection with 16 oz. gloves, mouthpiece, and headgear. *shrugs*

[bean]

My friend had a similar problem like this, he said after he finished sparring, he couldn't see properly, everything was blurry and it was like this for a few days so he went to see a doctor. They gave him some eye drops and problem solved

[sercuerdas]

have you boxed before? IF YOU JUST started boxing last week then that is probably way to soon to start sparring. you want to be soild in your foot work, striking and defense before sparring. learning by getting hit is difficult, and if you don't have a foundation of skill to work with your going to take a beating.

[Jared]

To Sercuerdas: Yes, I just started last week. But before that I did practice drills and the like with footwork, running, and lifting weights. I don't plan on being a professional or even entering a real competition. I box because I wanted to see what it was like, and also because I enjoyed it, aside from being hit in the eye of course. Friendly sparring is probably the most I will ever do. I much prefer wrestling or judo to boxing. Boxing is probably just a recreational tool to me.

[sercuerdas]

jared,
that's cool, i started as a wrestler to, boxing is interesting to learn, and if you get half way good you will be able to force the game to the ground without eating shots on the way in

[Jared]

I went to the eye doctor yesterday morning. They told me it is a detached floater, and they can't do anything about it. Fortunately, I'm getting used to it, and can ignore it, thus not see it as often. It makes me think I should quit boxing though before more dmg can be caused.

[dkm]

Is that the same thing as a detached retina? Does this problem solve itself eventually or are you permanently like this now? I've heard of stories of detached retinas in boxing and it doesn't sound like a pretty thing.

[Arms_Of_Thor]

I notice that if I wear headgear I have tunnel vision and cant see from the side. Conclusion try not wearing headgear and stay calm and focused.

[Jared]

A detached retina requires surgery, but can be fixed (hopefully) though sometimes the eye rejects the surgery, and thus requires more, and more. My aunt had about 8 surgeries on her eyes because of detached retinas, and now she is legally blind.

A detached floater is fluid inside the eye itself. It works as pigment, and floats around usually attached. But it can become unattached and float around without enbumbrance. The doctor said everyone has floaters, and it's just something you have to ignore or get used to if one does become detached. They can't be fixed via surgery or drops, so it's something I'm stuck with.

The doctor said the detached floater was probably caused due to trauma, thus I'm going to guess getting hit in the eye. Who knows though? It could just settle back into place eventually. I have no idea. Like I said before though, because of this incident, I'm hesitant to continue boxing.

[cross]

The problem may be a thing called "floaters". These are little specks that float around in your eye. alot of people get them, and i dont think they are directly related to being hit in the head. And they dont go away. But it could be somthing else.

[cross]

well there you go, i didnt read your last post before i made the post about floaters. i have them in one eye. You get used to them. And sometimes you cant see them.

One word of advice, boxing is a contact sport and if you continue expect to be injured.