December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, a time when parents, grandparents, and friends focus on choosing the best and safest toys for children. While the holidays are about giving and joy, it’s also important to consider the safety of the gifts we give, especially when it comes to protecting children’s eyesight. Last year, nearly 252,000 emergency room visits were due to toy-related injuries, with almost half of them involving the head or face. Alarmingly, 1 in 10 children’s eye injuries treated in the ER are caused by toys, particularly in children under 15 years old.
The injuries can range from minor scratches on the cornea to more severe conditions that threaten vision, such as traumatic cataracts, corneal ulcers, retinal detachment, and internal bleeding in the eye. Many of these injuries can be avoided by evaluating toys for safety before purchase and by supervising children during play, particularly with toys that have the potential to cause harm.
How to Select Safe Toys for Children’s Eye Safety
When picking out toys for the holidays, safety should be at the forefront of every parent or gift-giver’s mind. Here are some essential tips for choosing safe toys that protect children’s eye health:
- Check Age Recommendations: Always ensure that toys are appropriate for the child’s age and maturity level. If younger siblings are around, keep toys made for older children out of their reach to avoid accidents.
- Look for Safety Certifications: Whenever possible, look for toys with safety seals from recognized testing organizations like the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the Canadian Toy Testing Council, which ensure that toys meet national safety standards.
- Avoid Toys with Projectiles or Sharp Parts: Toys that shoot darts, arrows, or other projectiles or have sharp parts can cause serious eye injuries. High-powered water guns or soft foam dart guns, when aimed at the eyes, can also cause significant damage.
- Purchase Safety Eyewear: For toys involving sports equipment, chemistry sets, or woodworking tools, always buy sunglasses or eye protection with polycarbonate lenses. Consult with your eye doctor to find the best options for your child’s activities.
- Inspect Toys with Sticks or Handles: For toys like swords, fishing rods, pogo sticks, or brooms, ensure that handles and sticks have rounded edges. Supervise use of such toys, especially for younger children, to prevent accidental eye injuries.
- Beware of Laser or Bright Lights: Toys with lasers or intense lights, such as laser pointers or high-powered flashlights used in games like laser tag, can be dangerous. Direct exposure to intense light can cause temporary vision loss and may result in accidents. Laser pointers should never be used by children, as the light intensity can lead to permanent vision loss.
Eye Safety for Holiday Gifts: What to Remember
When shopping for gifts, your child’s eye safety should be your top priority. If you’re uncertain about the potential risks of a toy or gift, feel free to reach out to us. We can help evaluate its safety and ensure that it won’t pose a risk to your child’s vision. Remember, eye emergencies can often be prevented with a little extra attention to safety when choosing toys.
Regular Eye Exams: The Best Way to Protect Your Child’s Vision
While you can take steps to prevent eye injuries from toys, regular children eye exams are essential for maintaining your child’s long-term vision health. These exams can help detect any underlying issues or vision problems early, so you can address them before they affect your child’s development and quality of life.
Ensure your child’s eyes stay safe this season by choosing toys with their well-being in mind. If you have questions about safe toys or would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us.