Eye Gouging
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In combat sports the most obvious target for punches and kicks is the head, therefore it is not surprising that eye injuries are common. That being said directly attacking the eye with a finger ie eye gouging is illegal in the unified rules.
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What are some of the potentially injuries that can occur with eye gouging?
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1️⃣Corneal abrasions: The cornea is a structure that absorbs light. This is generally the most superficial structure of the eyeball to get injured. While the injury itself is not very severe but when scratches to the cornea occur the eye may be exposed to potential bacterial or fungal infections. This risk is amplified in MMA when the injury was from a finger or toenail.
2️⃣Subconjunctival hemorrhage: When a blood vessel breaks between the sclera and the conjunctiva. This can occur from a minor injury and makes the white sclera appear bright red. (Looks like a “Terminator eye”. Generally this is a minor injury aside from the dramatic look.
3️⃣Traumatic Iritis: Inflammation of the iritis. Because this structure is deeper than the cornea there is more risk of long-term injuries resulting from this injury.
4️⃣Retina detachment: When the retina (structure in the back of the eye) lifts up from its normal position. The retina is essential for sending visual information through the optic nerve to the brain.
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This weekend at UFC 269 jiu jitsu black belt @savage_ufc had her opponent in a bad spot. While Robertson was attempting to finish the rear naked choke her opponent used an illegal tactic to attempt to escape, gouging the eye. Despite the attempt Robertson was able to finish the choke and win the fight.
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It seems that Robertson was able to escape the fight without injury to her eye however there are many MMA athletes who has suffered permanent eye damage to eye gouging, such as Japanese legend Yuki Nakai.