[The danger of the game called "paint ball"]

Severe ocular injuries may occur during a new war game in France, called "paint ball". A high pressure carbon dioxide powered gun fires pellets filled with dye. The pellet is coated with a semisoft gelatin and filled with a "nontoxic" dye mixture. We observed six consecutive cases during a ten month-period. In two cases (both due to a shot at point-blank range), mature cataract occurred. Consequently, lensectomy was achieved, preceded by a prophylactic scleral buckle. In one case, a retinal detachment due to a localized retinal necrosis occurred. With endocular surgery and temporary silicone oil tamponade, we achieved retinal reattachment. The three remaining cases did not require surgery. They suffered blunt ocular lesions of the anterior and/or posterior segment. One of these cases showed permanent tattooing to the cornea. After a mean follow-up lasting six months, all patients had, at least, a 40/100 vision. Some recommendations can reduce the incidence and the severity of ocular injuries due to paint balling. Firstly, eyeguards (made of polycarbonate) must be worn before receiving guns and pellets. Secondly, a kind of safety gun stopper can avoid gun firing by accident apart from practices. Thirdly, according to others publications, alcohol or drugs should not be consumed before the game. Lastly, gun fire at point-blank range or toward the head must be forbidden. We hope that wide distribution of such recommendations will help reducing the frequency of this type of ocular traumas.