Doctors issue sight loss warning over Nerf guns
A team of specialists from an eye hospital says a series of incidents shows the need for raised age limits or protective glasses.
Tuesday 19 September 2017 09:39, UK
Doctors say bullets used in the popular toy Nerf guns can cause serious eye injuries.
Accident and emergency medics from Moorfields Eye Hospital in London say they have treated three patients who have suffered internal bleeding as a result of being hit.
Nerf toys are manufactured by Hasbro and include a range of guns, blasters, and bows and arrows aimed at children aged eight and over.
The doctors say a 32-year-old man shot in the eye from eight metres away by a child with a Nerf gun suffered blurred vision and a red eye.
A 43-year-old woman also complained of blurred vision and a red, sore eye after being shot in her right eye from a distance of one metre.
And an 11-year-old boy, who was shot in his right eye from a distance of two metres, ended up developing swelling of the outer and inner layers of the eye.
Writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the doctors said that while all three recovered their sight fully, the ability of Nerf guns to cause problems was worrying and could lead to long-term vision loss.
They said: "This case series emphasises the seriousness of ocular injury from Nerf gun projectiles and calls into consideration the need for protective eyewear with their use.
"It also calls for reconsideration of the safe age limits for Nerf gun use in children."
The team also raised concerns about unbranded Nerf gun bullets, which they say can be harder than branded ones.
The authors said that, from the cases seen, they are unable to establish any safe distance for avoidance of significant eye trauma.
A spokeswoman for Hasbro said: "Product safety is of utmost concern at Hasbro.
"Nerf products are designed based on years of consumer insights and research and undergo rigorous reviews and testing to assure that they are safe and fun to play with and meet or exceed global standards and regulations.
"Nerf foam darts and foam rounds are not hazardous when used properly.
"Consumers must never aim Nerf blasters at a person's eyes or face, should only use the foam darts and foam rounds designed for specific Nerf blasters and never modify darts or blasters."