Scottish Man Suffers Retinal Tears After Using Massage Gun Near Eyes

A young man in his 20s from Scotland experienced serious eye injuries after using a massage gun around and directly on his eyes to relieve eye fatigue. He sought medical help at an eye treatment center in Edinburgh after noticing black spots and flashes of light in his right eye. Initially, doctors found no clear cause, as he had no history of head trauma, eye surgery, or known eye diseases. Only after revealing his use of the massage gun weekly for about three months did the doctors connect the device to his condition.

Medical examination revealed multiple retinal tears and extensive bruising in both eyes, including a condition called retinal dialysis, where the retina detaches from the eye wall. This condition can cause permanent vision damage if untreated. The doctors concluded that the repeated rapid impacts from the massage gun caused the injuries by compressing the eyeballs backward, creating tension and pressure that led to retinal tears. This is reportedly the first documented case of retinal dialysis with multiple tears in both eyes caused by massage gun use.

The patient underwent laser treatment to stabilize the retina and prevent further damage. Six months later, his condition remained stable with no progression of tears or cataract development, indicating timely medical intervention. The doctors emphasized the need for clearer warnings about improper use of massage guns, especially around sensitive areas like the eyes. They stressed that these devices are designed for muscle use only and should never be applied to eyelids or the eyeball itself. For eye fatigue, they recommend rest, vision checks, or reducing screen time rather than using a massage gun.