Ocular injury from plastic airsoft bullet through protective steel mesh mask

The importance of protective eyewear during activities which involve high velocity projectiles is often emphasized to patients, however the material and design of such eyewear is also important. We present the case of a boy who sustained ocular injury from a plastic airsoft bullet while wearing a protective mask issued by the manufacturer. The patient was found to have decreased vision, a corneal abrasion and hyphema. The patient fully recovered with topical prednisolone, cyclopentolate, and moxifloxacin. It is important to advocate for using polycarbonate protective eye wear for our patients who are engaging in activities which involve high velocity projectiles.