Ocular air-gun injury: 19 cases

There have been many calls for preventive action against injuries caused by air-guns. Eye injuries are particularly serious, and we conducted a retrospective study to review their characteristics. Ophthalmic consultants in the south-west region of England and South Wales were asked to recollect any injuries that had resulted from air weapons. Information was recorded on the nature and circumstances of the injury, subsequent management, and long-term effects. 19 cases of ocular injury were identified, sustained at mean age 19.7 years, all in the past decade. 15 of the victims were male. At least 12 shootings were accidental but 2 were deliberate. The injury was self-inflicted in 5 cases, and in 6 the assailant was known to the victim. 9 sustained ruptured globes and 8 had severe contusions. Ultimately 4 individuals required enucleation and 2 evisceration. At last review, visual acuity was no perception of light in 10 (53%) and "counting fingers" or worse in 16. Victims spent an average of nearly 10 days as an inpatient. The characteristics of the incidents that lead to ocular air-weapon injuries are unchanged. Reform of the firearms laws is probably the best way to prevention.