Once nearly blind Olympian wins Gold at Vancouver!

What eye condition has Halle Berry & Rihanna both incurred?

Halle suffered an eye injury during her shooting of 007 movie Die Another Day, when a fragment of a smoke grenade lodged in her left eye after a series of stunt explosions.  James Bond, played by Pierce Brosnan was shooting down a helicopter during this scene.  Doctors at a local hospital removed a piece of shrapnel, and while her eye was inflamed and red, she suffered no permanent damage and was soon back on the set.

Rihanna allegedly suffered a scratched eye due to an abusive relationship, thus causing her to wear a patch to cover her red and sensitive eye at the 2008 American Music Awards.

Halle & Rihanna both suffered an abrasion to their corneas, which can cause significant pain, redness, tearing, and light sensitivity.  Medical treatment should be sought right away for this condition.

Phoenix Suns Star Amare Stoudemire out for the season due to a retinal detachement

The Phoenix Suns NBA star and leading scorer Amare Stoudemire was recently lost for the season, due to a partially detached retina that required surgery.  In a game against the LA Clippers, where he scorred 42 points, he was struck near his eye.  He has suffered from a torn iris in the same eye in the past. 

Trauma is the leading cause of retinal detahments and athletic endeavors are a frequent precipitant.  While the majority of eye injuries can be prevented by wearing protective eyewear, the majority of athletes do not wear them.  Soudemire's injury emphasizes the seriousness of a detached retina, which can result in blindness. 

Possible symptoms of a patient with a a retinal detachment may include stumbling, general clumbsiness, often running into the wall, and difficulty walking in a straight line.  There are certainly a myriad of other possible causes, but the best way to fule out a retinal detachment is by a dilated eye exam. 

If one experiences 'Floaters and/or Flashes' they should contact an eye care professional right away, as this may indicate an abnormality of the retina.  These conditions typically start during the earlier stages of a retinal hole or tear, and usually worsen with a retinal detachment.  A retinal detachment is a medical emergency, and can result in permanent vision loss.  If you or anyone you know experience any of these symptoms, seek medical treatment right away.