Published in:
Open Access 01-09-2020 | Eye Injuries | Case Report
Less-Lethal Weapons Resulting in Ophthalmic Injuries: A Review and Recent Example of Eye Trauma
Published in: Ophthalmology and Therapy | Issue 3/2020
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Introduction
Prior reports have highlighted the dangers of crowd control weapons such
as rubber bullets, paintball guns, and pepper spray. Many of these reports were
written decades ago and outside of the USA. We summarize a review of the literature
and discuss a contemporary case of a ruptured globe and facial trauma secondary to a
projectile weapon. This case serves to highlight the severity of eye trauma caused by
less-lethal weapons; severe morbidity or even mortality can occur.
Clinical Description
A civilian presented after a projectile weapon reportedly fired by
Denver law enforcement struck his face during one of the recent protests in May 2020
in Denver. Upon ophthalmic examination, we observed no light perception (NLP) vision,
periorbital ecchymosis, and devastating globe trauma.
Primary Diagnosis, Interventions, and Outcomes
Further examination revealed a severely ruptured globe with extensive
hemorrhage and extrusion of intraocular contents. Attempts to repair the ruptured
globe failed because of the lack of remaining scleral tissue and expulsion of
intraocular contents. Postoperatively, the visual acuity remained NLP and the eye was
unable to hold pressure. Subsequently, the patient elected for enucleation.
Conclusion
Despite the purported safety advancements of less-lethal weapons, we
continue to see high levels of morbidity and mortality. Permanent vision loss, loss
of the eye, and death caused by these weapons have been reported. We hope that this
information will serve as an example to help promote judicious use of these weapons
by the proper authorities. Additionally, protesters and bystanders should be aware of
these dangers and utilize high-quality eye protection.