Paintball ocular injuries.
BACKGROUND
Six cases of ocular injury following paintball injuries sustained during war games are described. A CO2-powered rifle shoots a 14 mm plastic-coated paintball at participants. The muzzle velocity of the gun is 250 ft/sec (76 m/sec). Locally manufactured paintballs are harder than the more expensive imported varieties and may account for the severity of our reported injuries.


METHODS
Six patients presented to a retinal specialist with various ocular injuries, predominantly of the posterior pole.


RESULTS
All patients were young males. There were no cases of ocular penetration. A variety of retinal pathologies was noted, with three cases requiring surgery; however this did not significantly improve the visual outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
These cases highlight the severe ocular injuries that may occur from paintball injuries. Recommendations to avoid ocular injury are made.
Kruger
L P
LP
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Hospital, W Cape.
Acton
J K
JK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D005389:Firearms; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010988:Play and Playthings; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D014792:Visual Acuity