Airbags Are No Big Risk to Eyes

Contrary to what many people may believe, the risk of suffering eye injuries from airbags is low, says a new Finnish study.

The study authors did a literature review of 62 case reports and articles describing 110 cases of adult eye injuries following airbag deployment. They also analyzed data about 275 car crash survivors collected in other studies.

They found the risk of any type of eye injury caused by airbags was 2.5 percent. The risk for severe eye injuries was 0.4 per cent. None of the crash survivors lost their eyesight.

The study, published in the June issue of Ophthalmology, also found that people who wear eyeglasses don't suffer more airbag injuries than other people, but that the pattern of injuries seems to be different. Eyeglass wearers were three times more likely to suffer open eye injuries, while people without glasses were more likely to suffer eye injuries caused by the airbag chemicals.

"It shows that even the first generation of airbags provide more protection from head and chest injuries. Protecting the head from injuries also decreases the chance of eye injuries, especially if seat belts are used," study author Dr. Timo M.T. Tervo, of the Helsinki Eye Hospital, says in a news release.

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