This study reviewed the nature and severity of ocular and orbital air bag-related injuries at a large tertiary care referral center. The records of all patients treated by the ophthalmology trauma service for air bag-related ocular injuries between 1993 and 1995 were reviewed. Five patients were identified who had air bag-related ocular trauma. All of the patients who were referred to the ophthalmology trauma service for air bag-related ocular injuries had significant ocular or orbital injury. The extent and severity of the injuries were variable, ranging from orbital contusion to ruptured globe and retinal detachment. Although air bags substantially reduce the overall rates of mortality and morbidity associated with motor vehicle accidents, they also cause a variety of ocular injuries.