Gel ‘guns’ land young people in emergency rooms for eye injuries; experts warn of risks

The Brazilian Society of Ophthalmology (SBO) and Inmetro stress that weapons that fire gel pellets are not toys and that their use can cause serious damage to the eyes

Presented as harmless fun, gel guns, which have recently become fashionable in several Brazilian cities, can cause serious injuries, especially to the eyes. This is what the Brazilian Society says Ophthalmology (SBO), which issued a warning about the risks of these “games” for eyesight.

The devices fire small pellets of gel and have become popular among children and teenagers, leading groups to organize “battles” via social media. Disputes often take place on the street, like a sort of neighborhood “paintball”.

But the device has caused problems, prompting some cities to adopt safety measures. In Olinda and Paulista, in Greater Recife, in Pernambucofirearms were banned after injuring dozens of people, for example.

According to the Altino Ventura Foundation (FAV), a point of reference for ophthalmology in the region, between 30 November and 27 December – the date of the last bulletin – around 90 patients with eye injuries caused by bullets were treated in the emergency room. gel.

The lesions identified range from scratches to the cornea, inflammation and bleeding, the institution says. Even similar cases they were registered in Sao PauloIn Rio de Janeiro and in other Brazilian cities.

Risks to eyesight

“The gel pellets, if fired with force, can pierce the eyeball, causing internal injury and leading to total or partial loss of vision,” the SBO warned in a statement. The impact can cause bruises, inflammation, detachment of the retina and, in the most serious cases, rupture of the eyeball.

Ophthalmologist Flávio Maccord, director of the institution, points out that trauma can also trigger secondary inflammation, such as uveitis, which affects the inner lining of the eye.

“Symptoms tend to be pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and, in severe cases, vision loss,” he explains.

These lesions can still develop into serious complications, such as glaucoma – incurable disease, caused by damage to the optic nerve and which gradually reduces the field of vision, which can lead to blindness.

This type of complication can occur when there is a delay in diagnosis and treatment. To avoid damage, the doctor recommends the use of protective glasses by anyone using the equipment.

It’s not a toy

“It is essential to clarify that these weapons are not toys,” the SBO warned. In fact, although gel guns are widely marketed as such, the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) specifies that they are not classified as toys.

Inmetro also issued a warning about this equipment, pointing out that there are specific rules for a product to be considered an object for children’s play, which is not the case. According to the agency, replica weapons with gel bullets are similar to equipment such as airsoft and paintball.

Therefore, according to the institute, the regulation of replies is not within its competence, but rather decree no. 11.615 of 21 July 2023, which defines the rules and procedures relating to the acquisition of firearms, ammunition and accessories.

Like already shown by Estadãogel ball replicas have the following characteristics:

• They work using a battery and spring propulsion system. They are usually colored, red or blue;
• They are sold in online stores and in the most famous shopping centers, such as Rua 25 de Março, in the center of São Paulo. The price varies from R$80 to R$380, depending on the model;
• According to the army, the gel granules are approximately 8 millimeters in size and are thrown at distances of between five and ten meters. The report found vendors promising, however, up to 30 meters and laser-guided shooting.

@rikinhor10

THE GREATEST GEL GUNS WAR #armamadegel #freefire #fun

original sound – Paulo Henrique

In addition to the health risks, there are also public safety concerns. In report published in SeptemberCaptain Felipe Neves, of the Social Communication Center of the Military Police of Sao Paulo, said that this type of pranks can lead to different problems, “from traffic accidents, injuries and even a misunderstanding,” he said.

Anyone who sees the groups with the equipment may think, for example, that it is a trawl net. The Secretariat of Public Security of São Paulo (SSP) points out that the equipment can be confused with a firearm. And, according to the Disarmament StatuteThe manufacture and sale of replicas and objects that could be confused with firearms are prohibited, as is the use of the object in clashes and as a means of threat.

For the Army, responsible for the country’s disarmament policy, they “do not resemble firearms, replicas or simulacra and, given the definitions provided by current legislation, gel launchers do not qualify as an Army Controlled Product, therefore fall outside the regulatory responsibilities of this technical regulatory body.”

What to do in case of accidents

Maccord advises that, if a child or teenager is hit in the eye by gel balls, the first measures should be:

• Wash the eye with clean water or saline;
• Protect the area with a clean cloth or gauze;
• Consult a specialized doctor without attempting to remove objects or apply eye drops yourself.

Additionally, it is important to avoid scratching or putting pressure on the eye, as well as not to attempt to use eye drops or remove any foreign bodies without your doctor’s advice.

Treatment

According to the ophthalmologist, the treatment depends on the type of lesion and severity. Superficial lesions, such as corneal abrasions, can be treated with ocular lubricants, antibiotics (to prevent possible infections), and in some cases with the use of therapeutic lenses.

More serious injuries, such as hyphema (a type of blood buildup inside the eye) and retinal detachment, may require surgery.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.