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Ophthalmic injuries from a TASER

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Jay S. Han ,
Anil Chopra  and
David Carr
Jay S. Han
Affiliation:
Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. Department of Anesthesia, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont.
Anil Chopra
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont.
David Carr*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont.
*
Department of Emergency Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St. RFE GS 433, Toronto ON M5G 2C4; davidcarr333@hotmail.com

Abstract

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The TASER (TASER International) is an energy-conducting weapon, that is becoming more frequently used by law enforcement officials to subdue combative individuals. Though generally regarded as a safe alternative, the use of such weapons has been reported to cause serious injuries. We describe a case in which ocular injuries were sustained by impalement with a TASER dart. Emergency physicians should be aware of the potential for serious ophthalmic injuries from TASERs and how such injuries should be managed.

Keywords

TASER injuryophthalmic traumapenetrating eye traumaglobe rupturetraumatic mydriasiselectrical ophthalmic injury
Type
Case Report • Rapport de cas
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 11 , Issue 1 , January 2009 , pp. 90 - 93
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2009

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