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Traumatic retinal detachment from a water balloon slingshot
N A Chaudhry1, P Falcone, G Alexandrakis
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers
|October 30, 1998
Summary
Water balloon injuries can cause traumatic retinal dialysis and detachment, leading to vision loss. Prompt surgical intervention can restore vision, highlighting the need for public awareness of these risks.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Water balloon fights are common recreational activities.
- Eye injuries from projectiles can have severe consequences.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old woman experienced decreased visual acuity after a water balloon slingshot injury.
- Fundus examination revealed a superonasal retinal dialysis and subtotal retinal detachment.
Findings:
- The patient underwent scleral buckling with external drainage.
- At 18 months post-surgery, visual acuity improved to 20/50 with retinal reattachment.
Implications:
- Water balloon eye injuries pose a significant risk of permanent vision impairment.
- Increased public awareness is crucial to prevent such injuries from recreational activities.