Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
09:29
Generating Retinal Injury Models in Xenopus Tadpoles
Published on: October 13, 2023
Diffuse retinal injury from a non-penetrating TASER dart
Rony R Sayegh1, Kimberly A Madsen, Jason D Adler
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Documenta Ophthalmologica. Advances in Ophthalmology
|September 13, 2011
Summary
Superficial TASER gun injuries near the eye can cause significant vision loss and retinal damage, even without penetration. Electroretinography (ERG) can diagnose photoreceptor dysfunction in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Medicine
Background:
- TASER devices are used for less-lethal incapacitation.
- Periocular injuries from TASER devices can occur, posing risks to ocular structures.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old man sustained a TASER barb injury to the right lower eyelid without scleral penetration.
- Ophthalmologic examination revealed a peripheral exudative retinal detachment.
- Radiologic imaging and Ganzfeld electroretinography (ERG) were performed.
Findings:
- Despite no scleral penetration, the patient experienced significant visual acuity loss.
- Electroretinography (ERG) demonstrated a 63-70% decrease in rod function (a- and b-waves) and a 10% decrease in cone function.
- The retinal detachment and visual acuity improved with follow-up.
Implications:
- Even seemingly superficial periocular TASER injuries can cause substantial ocular damage.
- Electroretinography (ERG) is a valuable tool for diagnosing visual loss due to photoreceptor dysfunction when anatomical damage is not evident.
- This case highlights the importance of thorough ophthalmologic evaluation after TASER-related facial trauma.
