DOCTORS have warned that popular toy Nerf guns can lead to serious injuries.

Experts from the UK's leading eye hospital said bullets from the guns and blasters could lead to internal bleeding around the eye as well as issues such as blurred vision.

They suggested that children and adults who play with the guns should wear protective eye goggles, and also called for the safe age limits for children to use Nerf guns to be reconsidered.

However, one toy shop owner in Worcester said he believed it was a matter of parents using common sense and ensuring the toys were used appropriately.

Mark Stewart, who owns Wise Owl Toys, Charles Street, Worcester said: "We don't sell them but we do sell Squeeze Poppers, which is a cow or penguin and you put a ball in and pop it out. It's a similar idea.

"It's about using common sense.

"There are lots of things that if they are not used correctly or appropriately can cause harm and damage.

"It's about common sense and parental supervision."

Nerf toys, which are manufactured by Hasbro, include a range of guns, blasters, and bows and arrows aimed at children aged eight and over.

Writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), A&E medics from Moorfields Eye Hospital in London told how three patients suffered injury from the guns in separate incidents. All suffered internal bleeding.

One 32-year-old man was shot in the eye from eight metres away by a child with a Nerf gun. He suffered blurred vision and a red eye.

A 43-year-old woman was shot in her right eye from a distance of one metre and complained of blurred vision and a red, sore eye.

An 11-year-old child also suffered a shot in his right eye from a distance of two metres.

The child complained of pain and blurred vision.

He developed swelling of the outer layer of the eye, or cornea, and the inner layer of the eye, retina, from the force and speed of the bullet fired by the gun.

All the patients were examined and given eye drops and did not go on to suffer any permanent damage.

The medics also said a patient had told them that non-branded, cheaper bullets that fit Nerf guns are on sale.

Examination of these bullets showed them to be harder than the ones made by Hasbro - something parents may not be aware of.

However, they said it wasn't known which type of bullet was used and there was no evidence that an injury might be less severe if the patient had been shot with official Nerf gun bullets.

A spokeswoman for Hasbro said: "Product safety is of utmost concern at Hasbro.

"Nerf products are designed based on years of consumer insights and research and undergo rigorous reviews and testing to assure that they are safe and fun to play with and meet or exceed global standards and regulations.

"Nerf foam darts and foam rounds are not hazardous when used properly.

"Consumers must never aim Nerf blasters at a person's eyes or face, should only use the foam darts and foam rounds designed for specific Nerf blasters and never modify darts or blasters."