[Eye injury from a paintball projectile]

A fourteen-year-old adolescent suffered after a direct hit with a plastic projective (paintball) a severe injury of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye manifested by intraocular haemorrhage, cyclodialysis, detachment of the retina with two giant tears and oedema and haemorrhages of the retina. After cerclage, pars plana vitrectomy and transient four-month tamponade with silicone oil the retina reattached. Late complications, cataract, broad anterior adherence with scars of the chamber angle and ciliary body, a lamellar defect of the macula and partial atrophy of the optic disc determined the subsequent development and were an indication for cataract surgery, implantation of an artificial lens into the lenticular capsule and reconstruction of the pupil. The final result was from the cosmetic and functional aspect (visual acuity 0.3) very satisfactory. Plastic projectiles (paintballs) are a new cause of severe eye injuries. At risk are in particular participants of games who do not protect their eyes with spectacles or masks. To save the function of the eye in unnecessary injuries frequently several operations are needed and close collaboration of surgeons for the anterior and posterior segment.