TRAUMATIC RETINAL-DETACHMENT FROM A WATER BALLOON SLINGSHOT

The authors describe a case of traumatic retinal dialysis with retinal detachment from a water balloon slingshot during a ''water balloon wa r.'' A 31-year-old woman presented with decreased visual acuity in her right eye 2 days after being hit by a water balloon. The visual acuit y in the right eye was counting fingers and fundus examination showed subtotal retinal detachment secondary to a superonasal dialysis. The p atient underwent a scleral buckling procedure with external drainage, and at 18 months visual acuity was stable at 20/50 with attached retin a. Water balloon eye injuries can result in permanent visual loss. Mor e public awareness needs to be created regarding the potential harmful effects of this commonly used ''toy.''.