A 29-year-old man in South Korea sustained severe retinal injuries after directing a handheld massage gun at his eyes, according to a case report published in JAMA Ophthalmology. The patient applied the vibrating device directly to his closed eyelids for approximately one minute, causing two small holes to form in his retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
The man sought treatment at Seoul National University Hospital after experiencing blurred vision and floaters, those small specks that drift across the visual field. Ophthalmologists led by Dr. Min Seok Park used optical coherence tomography to identify full-thickness defects in the patient's central retina, near the macula. The injuries required urgent attention because retinal holes can progress into detachments, which cause permanent blindness if left untreated.
Massage guns deliver rapid vibrations, typically between 3,000 and 3,200 pulses per minute, designed to relieve muscle tension. The intense mechanical force transmitted through the eyelid proved sufficient to disrupt the delicate retinal structure. The patient underwent vitrectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the gel filling the eye and repair the retinal damage.
Three months post-surgery, his vision improved substantially. The case demonstrates a serious hazard of misusing personal health devices, particularly when applied to sensitive facial areas. While commercial massage guns include safety warnings against facial use, the incident underscores how users may disregard these precautions.
The Park team noted this represents a rare but concerning injury pattern. Previous cases of massage-gun-related eye trauma exist in medical literature, but full-thickness retinal holes remain uncommon outcomes. The condition required surgical intervention, distinguishing it from less severe eye injuries that sometimes resolve spontaneously.
This case adds to growing awareness about unexpected complications from wellness devices