Eye injuries cuased by tear-gas hand weapons

Six patients hospitalized by eye injuries caused by tear-gas hand weapons are presented. Five of the lesions resulted from a short-distance shot of aerosol irritant projectors. Severe swelling and bloodshot of the lids and conjunctiva occurred in all cases. Epithelial defects, swelling and blurring of the parenchym were observed in the cornea. The treatment of each case took weeks, even months. Such an injury can because of scars in the cornea permanently lower the visual acuity.