33 cases of airsoft gun pellet ocular injuries in Copenhagen, Denmark, 1998-2002.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence and ocular effects of blunt trauma due to injury from airsoft gun pellets.

METHODS

We conducted a non-comparative case series based on the files of 33 patients who suffered ocular injury from airsoft guns and were admitted to one university emergency eye clinic in Copenhagen during a 5-year period.

RESULTS

A total of 33 eyes in 33 patients were examined. Thirty male and three female patients were affected. Mean age was 13 years (range 3-49 years). Mean follow-up time was 6.5 days (range 1-540 days). On initial examination, we found: hyphaema (n = 28), corneal abrasion (n = 22), retinal oedema (n = 11), subconjunctival haemorrhage (n = 10), palpebral haemorrhage and/or oedema (n = 9), iris dialysis (n = 7), intraocular pressure (IOP) > 31 mmHg (n = 4), IOP < 9 mmHg (n = 4), vitreous haemorrhage (n = 2) and cataract (n = 1). One patient had brown corneal discoloration due to severe chronic hyphaema that required surgery. The final visual acuity was 1.0 in 20 patients and < or = 0.7 in five patients.

CONCLUSION

The airsoft gun trauma resulted in anterior and posterior segment ocular injuries that required acute medical intervention and for which some patients were hospitalized. Trauma mainly occurred in children and youths. A longterm risk of glaucoma is expected. Eye care professionals and parents as well as manufacturers of airsoft guns should advise participants to wear adequate protection when involved in this activity.