Abstract
Aims: This study identifies the various types of ocular injuries sustained after blunt trauma with a paintball fired from a paintball gun. Methods: We report two patients who sustained injury to an eye after being shot with a paintball and review similar cases presented in the world literature. The type of injury sustained and the final visual acuity obtained after a paintball hit to the eye are examined. Results: The two boys presented were hit in the eye with a paintball resulting in lens subluxation, hyphema formation, and angle recession. Cataract extraction was required in both cases. One boy also had an optic neuropathy and a choroidal rupture. A review of the literature reveals a variety of injuries occur after a paintball hit to the eye. In some of the cases, the damage to the eye has led to loss of vision and at times loss of the eye. Conclusions: Paintball guns can cause devastating ocular injuries. Wearing protective eye and face gear during this game is essential. We recommend that an anti-fog face mask with a one-piece polycarbonate eye shield be worn by those participating in paintball games.
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Farr, A.K., Fekrat, S. Eye injuries associated with paintball guns. Int Ophthalmol 22, 169–173 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006216125152
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006216125152