[Combined injuries of the eye by shots from gas barrel guns for self defense].

Combined (mechanical and chemical) injury to the eye was induced by shooting from gas guns of 8 and 9 mm caliber to the eyes of biomannequins from a distance of 50 cm. Mechanical particles released during shot (intact and partially burnt gunpowder and other components of the shell) may be carrying a chemical on their surface, which, when getting into the wound channel of ocular membranes, diffuses to the adjacent tissues and injures them. These data necessitate comprehensive studies of injuries to the eyes caused by shots from gas barrel guns, which are to be carried out by clinical ophthalmologists, toxicologists, and forensic medics in order to identify all the possible consequences of injuries caused by irritants, accurately assess the duration of the posttraumatic process in the victims, and evaluate bodily injuries.