EyeWorld is the official news magazine of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
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N Contact information Anderson: tyler.anderson8@uky.edu DECEMBER 2019 | EYEWORLD | 27 tration have even been found between two can- isters from the same case. In the setting of such high concentrations, poorly regulated variations make it difficult to recommend safe parameters for use," he said. In addition to inconsistent chemical compositions, commercial pepper sprays have been found to have wide variability in projectile velocity and droplet size. 9 The same product can produce different liquid streams depending on how much spray is left in the canister, and numerous types of propellants are employed among manufacturers. According to Dr. Ander- son, this variability makes it difficult to establish parameters for safe deployment in training situations. Guidelines Due to product inconsistencies, specific guide- lines for safe deployment of OC spray in training situations are difficult to establish. Dr. Anderson said he thinks the use of these sprays in training is ill-advised and should be reconsid- ered. "Institutions that insist on using pepper spray in training should use the same product from a well-established manufacturer. Recruits should be able to receive immediate and proper eye washing as extended drills after exposure may increase the chances of severe injury. Personnel should be trained to maintain a safe distance between the canister and the subject as the velocity of the spray coming out of the canister may change during use. Finally, forcing recruits to hold open their eyes during training with OC should be reconsidered, as it increases the chances of propellant-induced mechanical trauma," he said. 6. Das S, et al. Capsicum spray injury of the eye. Int Ophthalmol. 2005;26:171–3. 7. Brown L, et al. Corneal abrasions associated with pepper spray exposure. Am J Emerg Med. 2000;18:271–2. 8. Haas JS, et al. Chemical and elemental comparison of two for- mulations of oleoresin capsicum. Sci Justice. 1997;37:15–24. 9. Presser C, White E. Droplet size and velocity measurements from commercial "fogger" type pepper spray products. Atomization and Sprays. 2008;18:287–313. Relevant financial interests Anderson: None Routine exposure to pepper spray among police academy recruits can be the cause of severe eye pain and ocular injury. Epithelial defect and corneal edema as seen in this patient. Source(all): Tyler Anderson, MD