Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the ocular effects of ocular trauma during paintball sports and to report the occurrence of chorioretinitis sclopetaria (CS).
Design: :
Observational case series.
Methods: :
We reviewed cases of eye injury presenting to a single institution from 2000 to 2005. Those cases in which the injury was attributed to paintball sports were identified and evaluated to determine ocular findings and visual prognosis.
Results: :
There were 8 males and 1 female with an average age of 16 years (range, 11–26). None had ocular protection at the time of ocular injury. On initial examination, 6 had vitreous hemorrhage, and 4 (44%) each of retinal tear or detachment, maculopathy, hyphema, cataract, and commotio retinae. CS occurred in 4/9 (44%) eyes. The final visual acuity was >20/40 in 3 eyes, 20/50 to 20/150 in 2 eyes, and <20/200 in 4 eyes.
Conclusions: :
Injuries due to paintballs can result in severe ocular damage and significant visual loss. Interestingly, CS could occur with a high frequency and its presence should be recognized, as its management is different from other sequelae of ocular trauma.
Keywords: trauma • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications • chorioretinitis