Eye injuries associated with 'war games'

Eye injuries sustained by 4 patients who took part in 'war games' (in which young men shoot at each other with pistols powered by compressed carbon dioxide and firing latex rubber bullets filled with non-toxic paint) are described. In 3 cases the injuries were severe, including traumatic cataract, and 1 of these patients has a permanent macula scar with vision reduced to 6/36. Although eye protection is recommended, it was found that in the 'battle situation' combatants did not always follow regulations. Attention is drawn to the seriousness of disregarding the need for correct protective glasses.