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With the return of sunny days, many children go outside to play, sometimes with a gun projecting darts or foam balls. These projectiles can be dangerous for the eyes, according to Dr. Gilles Martin, ophthalmologist at the Fondation Rothschild hospital in Paris.
Very popular with children, dummy guns can however be dangerous. This is particularly the case of those for sending projectiles, whether balls or foam darts. Dr Gilles Martin, ophthalmologist at the Fondation Rothschild hospital in Paris, has just published a study on this subject with two of his colleagues.
Several cases of eye trauma
In this work, experts report cases of eye trauma caused by the use of these toys, which send their projectiles at high speed. Between January 2010 and June 2022, 304 cases of ocular trauma were listed, received in consultation at the ophthalmological emergencies of the Rothschild Foundation hospital.
In 151 cases, foam projectiles such as darts or bullets were involved. In addition, the number of cases listed increases each year, note the scientists, while the average age of patients who are victims of these traumas decreases over the period, going from 16 years in 2014 to 10 years in 2022.
Generally mild injuries
Fortunately, the majority of cases report minor injuries, such as eye surface irritation.
But sometimes, more severe injuries have been caused by these dummy guns:
- Intraocular haemorrhages;
- Damage to the retina, iris or cornea;
- intraocular hypertension;
- Cataracts;
- Or ruptures of the eyeball.
Dr. Gilles Martin therefore warns users and their parents: “We are seeing a real trend of increasing eye injuries caused by these games. Although children should be encouraged to take advantage of sunny days to play outside, simple measures can help prevent these accidents, such as respecting recommended ages for use and the wearing of protective glasses. There is also a responsibility for brands to promote these prevention instructions, in order to use these toys in complete safety”.