Ocular trauma resulting from the explosive rupture of a liquid center golf ball

The likelihood of a patient seeking consultation with an ocular injury due to puncturing and subsequent explosive rupture of a golf ball seems remote. This very set of circumstances occurred at our V.A. Medical Center Optometry clinic. Golf ball manufacturers receive inquiries each year concerning the makeup of these liquid centers. Lack of current available information from ophthalmic journals or poison control centers prompted an inquiry into the exact nature of these golf balls. Further concern was for the measured alkalinity and extreme pressure exhibited by the liquid center golf ball brought in by the patient just after injury occurred. A case report is presented. Retrospective evaluation of previous literature is reviewed as well as information from golf ball manufacturers.