Vision-threatening ocular injury secondary to calcium carbide gun use in Indian children and young adults: A case series

Abstract

Ocular injury, a significant risk factor for acquired visual impairment, is common among children and young adults during Indian festivals. However, calcium carbide gun-induced ocular injuries have rarely been reported. The current manuscript describes the clinical profile and sociodemographic information of five young male patients from central India who were injured while using cheap carbide guns with no safety features bought from local vendors/made at home using online information. All patients had monocular injuries (eyelid edema, conjunctival congestion, corneal opacification, and limbal ischemia) with vision loss ranging from 6/36 to no light perception. Improper handling, easy availability, low cost, and lack of awareness of risks contributed to the incident. Therefore, it is recommended that public awareness be generated, and restrictions are imposed on the widespread unlicensed sale of carbide guns and raw materials.