Two patients presented to the University of Illinois at Chicago Eye and Ear Infirmary within 1 year with penetrating eye injuries caused by similar collapsible cloth and wire laundry hampers. Penetrating eye injuries in children are relatively rare but can result in poor visual outcomes and multiple vision-threatening complications. Both injuries at the University of Illinois resulted in an eye laceration as well as retinal complications similar to those reported with a high velocity injury. This now represents a significant pattern of eye injury and suggests that there exists a nontrivial risk for all children in households with this type of collapsible laundry hamper. Parents should receive a warning of the risks of these hampers.
Keywords: child safety; eye injuries; prevention; trauma.