Incidence and Outcomes of Eye Trauma Associated With Recreative Use of Nonpowder Toy Guns: A 12-Year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Purpose: Nonpowder toy guns (NPTGs) are responsible for many ocular traumas. This study aims to detail the outcomes of these injuries depending on the causative NPTG.

Design: Retrospective, observational case series.

Methods: Cases of NPTG-associated ocular trauma managed in a Parisian eye emergency department between August 1, 2010, and January 1, 2023, were reviewed. The date of trauma, causative NPTG, patient demographics, initial and follow-up eye examinations, any surgical procedure, and visual outcomes for each ocular trauma were analyzed.

Results: Over 12 years, NPTGs were responsible for 324 eye injuries and 980 visits. Patients were mostly male (77.5%), and mean age at trauma was 16.2 years. Foam bullets or foam dart blasters accounted for 54.9% of traumas and were mainly responsible for corneal injuries and hyphema (30.9% and 27%, respectively). BB guns and airsoft guns were frequently responsible for anterior segment lesions, as well as intravitreal hemorrhages (14.7%) and commotio retinae (21.1%). Paintball guns accounted for the largest proportion of posterior segment lesions (eg, intraretinal or subretinal hemorrhages leading to macular atrophy/contusion maculopathy), and one-third of casualties had undergone ocular surgery. Among all traumas, final visual acuity was lower than 20/200 in 6.5% of cases. Phthisis occurred in 8 cases: Two were related to foam bullets or foam dart blaster injuries (1 contusion and 1 rupture), 2 other cases followed a rupture due to BB guns/airsoft guns, 1 case occurred after a rupture related to a paintball gunshot, and 3 others were due to other types of compressed air guns (1 rupture, 1 intraocular foreign body, and 1 total retinal detachment).

Conclusions: NPTG-related ocular trauma outcomes differ according to the causative toy. Paintball guns and BB guns/airsoft gun-related traumas were more likely to be associated with severe lesions, but an increasing number of ocular injuries related to the use of foam bullets or foam dart blasters are reported in younger and younger children. Public health policies should promote the use of protective eyewear.