A Scottish man in his 20s found himself with far more than soothing relief after using a massage gun on his tired eyes. Doctors at an Edinburgh treatment center were shocked to discover multiple retinal tears and widespread bruising, leading them to suspect the culprit: a percussive massage tool.

The man had recently noticed floaters and flashes of light in one eye, but admitted he hadn’t suffered any recent injuries or traumas. His family medical history was clear of similar issues, leaving his usual glasses as the only sign of mild near-sightedness. Yet, when questioned about unusual activity, he reluctantly confessed to using a massage gun with a bullet-shaped attachment on his eyes for relief.

Both his right and left eyes showed signs of significant damage; in the right eye, doctors found retinal tears, bruising, and a rare condition called retinal dialysis. The left eye revealed widespread bruising and six full-thickness rips. Ophthalmologists Niamh O’Connell and Ashraf Khan are now pondering the limits of DIY eye care.

This case highlights the potential dangers of using unconventional methods for eye relief, especially when dealing with delicate organs like our eyes. Traditional rest or professional advice might be safer bets than home remedies from the gym.