Evulsion of the optic nerve in association with basketball injuries.

A case of optic nerve evulsion resulted from a finger poke injury to the globe during a basketball game. Significantly, almost no external damage to the eye was evident. The damage may be caused by sudden forceful anterior-posterior displacement and rotation of the globe, inducing a tear of the optic nerve at the papilla. The seriousness and permanence of this injury stress the importance of protective eye wear in contact sports.