Ocular injuries and outcomes secondary to Nerf guns in an optometric setting

Nerf guns can lead to significant ocular injury. Understanding the incidence and types of complications that can result can lead to improved diagnoses, management, and prevention.

The intention of this study is to characterise the incidence, ocular findings, and specific visual outcomes associated with Nerf gun injuries at the Illinois College of Optometry, an academic optometric setting.

A retrospective chart review of electronic medical records at the IEI was conducted from December 2017 to December 2022. Patient charts were identified using the search options in the electronic medical system. The following words and combinations were used during the electronic medical system search: Nerf, dart, bullet, foam, projectile, rubber. Charts were reviewed for accuracy.

Thirty-five patients were identified (21 females, 14 males) The average age of presentation was 24 years old (range 3-56 years). No patients were wearing protective eyewear. All injuries were unilateral. The follow-up period varied from 1 day to 1 month. Average entering best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/9, ranging between 6/6 and 6/45. All patients eventually returned to 6/6. Twenty-one patients (60%) were diagnosed with traumatic anterior uveitis. All 21 patients were treated with a topical steroid. All patients were dilated at the initial visit and at the follow-up visit. There were no findings in the intermediate and posterior segments of the eye secondary to nerf gun injuries.

This current study specifically focuses on Nerf gun-related ocular injuries and their definite visual outcomes in a larger study population and period in an optometric setting. Most injuries are limited to the anterior segment with limited to no visual sequalae. Poorer visual outcomes are still possible and therefore proper safety eyewear, safe play, and safe distancing when using Nerf gun-type projectiles is recommended.