Ocular findings following trauma from paintball sports.

PURPOSE: To raise awareness of potential significant ocular damage and visual loss secondary to paintballs in those not wearing ocular protection and to report high incidence of chorioretinitis sclopetaria from paintball contusion.
METHODS: We reviewed cases of eye injury presenting to a single institution from 2000 to 2005. Those cases in which the injury was attributed to paintballs were identified and evaluated to determine ocular findings and visual prognosis.
RESULTS: Ocular paintball injuries occurred in eight male subjects and one female subject (nine eyes) with an average age of 16 years (range, 11-26). None had ocular protection at the time of ocular injury. On initial examination, vitreous haemorrhage was present in six eyes (67%), maculopathy, hyphema, cataract, and commotio retinae were each present in four eyes (44%). Two eyes suffered retinal detachment and one eye an optic nerve avulsion. Chorioretinitis sclopetaria occurred in four eyes (44%). The final visual acuity was > or =20/40 in three eyes, 20/50 to 20/150 in two eyes, and < or =20/200 in four eyes.
CONCLUSION: Injuries owing to paintballs can result in severe ocular damage and visual loss. Increased awareness and need for proper ocular protection should be emphasized by ophthalmologists. Chorioretinitis sclopetaria occurs with a high frequency and its presence should be recognized, as its management is different from retinal tear or detachment.