A young man developed multiple retinal tears in both eyes after repeatedly applying a percussive massage gun directly over and around his eyes to relieve eye fatigue, according to a case report published in BMJ Case Reports.1 The report describes what the authors say is the first published case of bilateral retinal tears with retinal dialysis associated with massage gun use. Doctors treated the retinal injuries with laser therapy, preventing retinal detachment and preserving his vision through timely intervention.
The patient, a man in his 20s, a student and resident of Edinburgh, U.K., with no known eye disease, sought medical care after noticing floaters in his right eye and intermittent flashes of light that had persisted for six days.
He reported no recent eye injury, head trauma, eye surgery, or family history of retinal disorders.
A detailed eye examination revealed extensive retinal damage in both eyes. Doctors identified multiple retinal tears and bruising, along with retinal dialysis, a rare tear at the outer edge of the retina, in the right eye. The left eye showed retinal bruising and six small horseshoe-shaped retinal tears. His visual acuity remained normal (6/6 in both eyes) and intraocular pressure was within the normal range despite the extensive retinal injuries.
Doctors initially found no obvious cause because retinal injuries like these are most often linked to blunt eye trauma, such as a punch or a sports-related injury. As a result, they revisited the patient's medical history and asked additional questions about any activities or incidents involving his eyes.
During this detailed history-taking, the patient, described in the case report as a "hesitant historian", revealed that he had been applying a percussive massage gun directly on and around both eyes for approximately three months. He reported using the commercially purchased device for several minutes once every week without professional guidance because he believed it would relieve eye tiredness. He had purchased the device himself and used it for several minutes once a week without medical advice, believing it would help relieve a sensation of eye fatigue.
The medical team performed barrier laser photocoagulation to seal the retinal tears and lower the risk of retinal detachment. During follow-up visits, the retina remained stable, and the patient retained good vision without further complications. Doctors noted that early presentation and prompt laser treatment likely prevented progression to retinal detachment and permanent vision loss.
Massage guns are handheld devices that deliver rapid, repetitive pulses to muscles and soft tissues. They are widely used to reduce muscle soreness and aid recovery after exercise.
Massage guns are designed for use on muscles and other soft tissues, not on or around the eyes. The repeated mechanical vibrations generated by a massage gun can transmit force to delicate eye structures, including the retina. The authors suggested that repeated compression of the eyeball may have generated shearing forces at the retinal periphery, eventually producing retinal tears and retinal dialysis. Continuous exposure to these forces may result in retinal tears or other traumatic eye injuries.
The authors noted that eye injuries linked to massage guns have been reported previously, although such cases remain uncommon. Published reports have described complications including traumatic cataracts, lens dislocation, retinal detachment, acute angle-closure glaucoma, and permanent vision impairment following improper use of these devices. The authors noted that only a small number of ocular injuries linked to massage guns have been documented in the medical literature, making this presentation particularly unusual.
In this case, the patient stated that he was unaware that massage guns should not be used around the eyes. The authors also pointed out that limited scientific evidence is currently available regarding the safety of massage guns when used outside their intended purpose.
The researchers of the study concluded, "This rare presentation highlights the potential for significant retinal injury. It also underscores the need for cautious massage gun use, careful history taking in unexpected clinical scenarios and clear manufacturer warnings against improper application."
The authors stated that healthcare professionals should consider asking about massage gun use when evaluating patients with unexplained retinal injuries. They also emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the proper use of these devices.
They also called for clearer manufacturer warnings against using massage guns on or around the eyes because the patient reported being unaware of any such precautions.
People who experience sudden floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow over their vision should seek prompt ophthalmic evaluation, as these symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment that requires urgent treatment.
1. O'Connell, N., and A. B. Khan. 2026. "Bilateral Retinal Tears and Dialysis: A Rare Complication of Percussive Massage Gun Use." BMJ Case Reports 19: e264566. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2025-264566.