David Duchovny Talks about Sports-Related Eye Injuries

Considered the consummate intellectual actor, David Duchovny abandoned doctoral studies at Yale University to pursue acting full time in 1987. He is most famous for his role as Special Agent Fox Mulder on the extremely popular television series the X-Files, which finished its run this May after nine seasons. David returned to the show to film the series finale and has directed several episodes of the show. Recent movies include 'Full Frontal,' 'Zoolander,' 'Evolution,' and 'Return to Me.' David is as adept an athlete as an actor and swims, plays basketball, baseball, and racket/court sports in his free time.

David spoke recently with Prevent Blindness America about the eye injury he incurred while playing basketball that altered the vision in his right eye permanently. He shares his words of wisdom with readers about why it's so important to protect one's eyes.

Prevent Blindness America: David, you are famous for your acting talents and dry sense of humor and wit, but we are most interested in your athletic prowess and what precautions you take to avoid injury. We know that you participate in all the above-mentioned sports. Is it true that you suffered an eye injury in high school while playing basketball?

David Duchovny: I was 27 playing in a pick-up game.

PBA: What happened, and do you have any lifelong effects from that injury?

DD: I got poked in the right eye and developed a cataract from the force of the blow, as well as a ruptured sphincter muscle and decreased vision.

PBA: Have you ever suffered eye injuries from any of the other sports you participate in, or have any of your friends?

DD: No.

PBA: Do you wear any protective eye gear when swimming, playing basketball or racquetball?

DD: Goggles to swim and I usually wear goggles for basketball now.

PBA: What would you tell kids about the risks involved in these sports?

DD: The risks don't outweigh the benefits, but whenever possible, goggles are a good idea.

PBA: If your daughter inherits your athletic abilities, will you encourage her to play any specific sports and avoid others due to the risks?

DD: I'll let her do what she wants. I just hope she's not into tackle football.

PBA: Most people know about the increased risk of developing skin cancer from the sun, but few know that there is an increased risk of developing cataract. Have you heard about the risks involved to the eyes from UV/sunlight exposure? We have seen some pretty cool photos of you wearing shades, so do you wear sunglasses when you play sports outside?

DD: I didn't know about the UV danger and cataracts -- that's information that should be spread. I wear sunglasses a lot because the ruptured sphincter muscle in the right eye prevents it from contracting fully and makes me very light-sensitive.

PBA: Have you ever been injured on the set, or witnessed any injuries to fellow actors or stunt people?

DD: Yes, but no eye injuries.

PBA: Do you wear glasses or contact lenses, and if so, has this affected your life in any significant way?

DD: I wear glasses and/or contact lenses and it gets in my way, but I do need to see. I'm thinking of getting the lasik procedure.

PBA: Do you have any friends or family with vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or cataracts, or know anyone who had an eye injury caused by sports, work or household accidents?

DD: No.

PBA: Do you have any words of wisdom about protecting vision that you would like to share with readers?

DD: Wear sunglasses in the sun, goggles when playing contact or ball sports. Have fun.

PBA: Thank you so much for taking time out of your hectic schedule to answer these questions. Your participation will increase the visibility of our programs enormously and potentially save the sight of thousands of kids out there playing sports.

Article courtesy of preventblindness.org.