Characterization of Ocular Injuries Caused by Orbeez Hydrated Gel Pellet Projectiles: Clinical Insights and Implications

PURPOSE: To examine the clinical characteristics of pa-tients who have experienced blunt ocular injuries from Orbeez hydrated gel pellets (Spin Master Corp.), and to describe ocular morbidity, visual acuity (VA), and intraocular pressure (IOP) after Orbeez-related ocular trauma.center dot DESIGN: Retrospective, institutional, observational case series. center dot METHODS: Patients sustaining Orbeez-related ocular trauma at a single institution over a 13-month period were identified. Clinical parameters including VA, IOP, and anterior and fundus examination findings were as-sessed upon initial and final presentation. Basic statistical testing was performed to compare differences within this cohort.center dot RESULTS: A total of 17 eyes from 17 patients with Orbeez-related trauma were identified. Orbeez-related blunt ocular injuries included corneal abrasion (n = 7), hyphema (n = 9), commotio retinae (n = 5), intrareti-nal hemorrhage (n = 3), preretinal hemorrhage (n = 1), vitreous hemorrhage (n = 2), and retinal tear (n = 1). Adolescents (14-18 years of age) showed higher rates of posterior segment complications compared to other ages ( P = .0152). The presence of elevated IOP and hyphema upon initial examination correlated with increased like-lihood of requiring invasive treatment following Orbeez impact ( P = .0275). center dot CONCLUSION: Orbeez-related ocular trauma may be as-sociated with severe visual morbidity and varied anterior and posterior segment intraocular sequelae. Adolescents could be at increased risk for posterior segment compli-cations following these injuries. Initial findings of ele-vated IOP and hyphema may indicate a need for more aggressive interventions. Prevention remains paramount in managing Orbeez-related ocular trauma; it is critical to raise awareness regarding the importance of wearing eye protection meeting high-impact standards and mini-mizing exposure to such projectiles. (Am J Ophthalmol 2024 (c) 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights re-served.)

Automated summary

Orbeez-related ocular trauma can lead to severe visual morbidity and various intraocular sequelae. Adolescents may be at higher risk for posterior segment complications. Elevated IOP and hyphema at initial presentation may indicate a need for more aggressive interventions.