Holidays: the dangers of gel pellet guns!

With children on school holidays, the Brazilian Society of Ophthalmology warns of serious eye risks caused by the use of this device, especially among young people and children School holidays and children at home: a combination that requires attention! The Brazilian Society of Ophthalmology (SBO) is on alert due to the high risk of serious eye injuries […]

With children on school holidays, the Brazilian Society of Ophthalmology warns of serious eye risks caused by the use of this device, especially among young people and children

School holidays and children at home: a combination that requires attention! The Brazilian Society of Ophthalmology (SBO) is on alert over the high risk of serious eye injuries caused by gel pellet guns.

School holidays: you have to be careful!

Although they seem like a fun toy, gel guns are not at all harmless. To contain the problem, the population must be aware of the dangers that these devices pose.

“If shot forcefully, for example, they can cause serious damage to the eyes. These risks include punctures to the eyeball which can lead to partial or total loss of vision. In addition, the child may be at risk of bruises, inflammation and retinal detachment , a condition that can lead to permanent blindness if not treated quickly,” explains Juliana Lasneaux, ophthalmologist at CBV – Hospital de Olhos.

The most worrying thing, however, is the direct impact of the balls. “The most dangerous thing is trauma, the blow that can pierce the eye, detach the retina, cause an inflammation called uveitis”, highlights the ophthalmologist.

Forbidden for minors, but advertised on social media

Although the use of these weapons by minors under 18 is prohibited by the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), videos of “battles” with these devices, involving people of different age groups.

“It is worrying that many people view these devices as harmless toys. However, any impact on the eye area can cause serious and, in some cases, irreversible damage. The eye structure is extremely sensitive and even a seemingly minor injury can cause serious consequences” , warns Lasneaux.

In addition to direct injury, gel beads can carry dirt particles and microorganisms, thereby increasing the risk of serious infections.

What to do in case of injury?

The guidance is to treat any ocular incident as a medical emergency, i.e. symptoms such as pain, blurred vision or bleeding should be assessed by an eye doctor immediately. “The quicker specialist care is provided, the greater the chance of avoiding permanent damage,” emphasizes Juliana Lasneaux.

The importance of prevention

The ophthalmologist reiterates that the use of these weapons should be avoided and that supervision by parents and guardians is essential to prevent accidents. “Seemingly harmless items can cause irreversible damage, so it is vital to understand that prevention will always be the best way to protect your sight,” he concludes.

The warning makes it clear that, although popular, gel ball guns pose a real danger to eye health and should be used with extreme caution or simply avoided.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.