Background: As Airsoft guns have gained popularity in Canada, there have been an increasing number of associated ocular injuries. This study reviews and evaluates the ocular injuries and effects associated with trauma secondary to Airsoft guns.
Methods: The clinical records of 1232 patients seen by an on-call ophthalmology resident at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Eye Clinic were reviewed. Of these, 8 patients had ocular injuries involving an Airsoft gun.
Results: All 8 cases were monocular injuries in male patients with a mean age of 18 years. Documented injuries included hyphema, corneal contusion, subconjunctival hemorrhage, lid contusion, corneal abrasion, traumatic iritis, commotio retinae, and traumatic mydriasis. Presenting visual acuities ranged from 20/15 to light perception.
Interpretation: Injuries were confined mostly to the anterior segment and were not as serious as injuries reported from paintball and traditional BB gun injuries. However, hyphema was a commonly observed finding. Eye care professionals should be aware of the potential harm associated with injuries related to Airsoft guns.