Catastrophic globe disruption as a result of a TASER injury

Jennifer Y Li; M Bowes Hamill

doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.03.010

Catastrophic globe disruption as a result of a TASER injury

J Emerg Med. 2013 Jan;44(1):65-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.03.010. Epub 2011 May 12.

Authors

Jennifer Y Li¹, M Bowes Hamill

Affiliation

¹ Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.

PMID: 21570244
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.03.010

Abstract

Background: Injuries caused by the TASER(®) (TASER International, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ) have been well documented, and both direct and indirect ocular injuries have been reported. We present a case of severe perforating injury to the globe from a TASER dart with central cornea penetration.

Objectives: To describe the presentation and management of a penetrating ocular injury from a TASER dart.

Case report: A 47-year-old woman presented with a TASER dart injury penetrating through the central cornea. The injury resulted in a stellate corneal laceration, which was repaired with a final visual acuity of light perception without projection.

Conclusion: This is a case of a severe TASER-related ocular injury resulting in significant vision loss. Although mechanical trauma seemed to be the main etiology for vision loss, electrical shock injury may also be contributory. Direct injury to the eye from a TASER dart is similar to other perforating projectile injuries and can have a devastating visual outcome.

Publication types

Case Reports
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Conducted Energy Weapon Injuries / complications*
Corneal Injuries*
Electric Injuries / complications*
Electroshock / adverse effects*
Eye Foreign Bodies / complications*
Eye Injuries, Penetrating / etiology*
Female
Humans
Middle Aged