With the holiday season approaching, it’s time to consider the safety of the toys you’re planning to gift your children. Toy-related injuries are common, and the eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), over 1 million toy-related injuries were treated at emergency rooms in the U.S. between 2015 and 2018. Alarmingly, more than 60% of these injuries occurred in children under 9 years old, with eye injuries being one of the most serious.
Some injuries have even led to permanent vision loss or blindness. With this in mind, it’s crucial to know which toys pose risks and take steps to minimize these dangers. Below, we’ll highlight common toys that can cause eye injuries and offer tips on choosing safe toys for children.
Toys That Pose a Risk for Eye Injuries
1. Shooting Toys/Guns
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has strongly warned against toy guns, including those that shoot soft darts or projectiles. Many toy guns can shoot projectiles at high speeds, putting children at risk of serious eye injuries, such as corneal abrasions or even retinal detachment. It’s essential to supervise children when playing with such toys and ensure they wear protective eyewear. Water balloon launchers, though fun, can also cause blunt force trauma to the eye.
2. Toys with Pointed or Sharp Ends
Toys with sharp tips or edges, such as swords, fishing poles, and darts, are obvious hazards. Even if a toy is labeled as safe for a particular age group, sharp objects should be avoided when other children are playing nearby.
3. Aerosol Spray/Spray Streamers
Products like spray streamers or aerosol cans may seem harmless but can cause significant damage if sprayed into the eyes. Exposure to these substances can lead to chemical conjunctivitis (pink eye), or in some cases, corneal abrasions that may require medical attention.
4. Fireworks and Firecrackers
Fireworks and firecrackers can cause severe eye injuries and burns. Organizations such as Prevent Blindness recommend that children avoid handling fireworks entirely. A safer alternative would be to enjoy professional displays rather than handling them at home.
5. Bright Flashlights and Laser Pointers
The intensity of laser pointers can be dangerous to children’s eyes. Direct exposure to the bright light can cause temporary blindness and increase the risk of eye injuries, such as retina damage. Flashlights, if pointed directly into the eyes, can also result in temporary blindness.
How to Choose Safe Toys for Children’s Eyes
When purchasing toys, there are a few important factors to consider:
- Look for Age-Appropriate Toys: Always choose toys based on the child’s age and maturity level. Be cautious with toys that feature sharp edges or points, even if they’re labeled as safe for the child’s age group.
- Buy Toys from Reputable Stores: Ensure that the toys come from trusted, well-known brands that meet safety standards. Check the labels for warnings about age suitability and safety guidelines.
- Ensure Proper Supervision: Always supervise children during play, especially when they are using toys with projectiles or sharp parts. Wearing safety glasses during active play, sports, or when using toys like water balloon launchers can reduce the risk of eye injury.
- Look for Protective Eyewear: If you are buying sports equipment for your child, ensure they have access to proper protective eyewear. Many sports eyewear options are designed to shield the eyes from impacts and accidents.
Choosing Eye-Safe Toys: What to Avoid
- Pointy or Sharp Objects: Toys such as swords, fishing poles, and darts.
- Projectiles: Toys that shoot anything, including darts, arrows, or water balloons.
- Chemical-based Products: Aerosol sprays, fireworks, and other potentially harmful substances.
- Laser-based Toys: Laser pointers or high-intensity flashlights can harm the eyes.
Safe Toy Recommendations
Instead of risky toys, consider the following safe options for your children:
- Arts and Crafts Kits: Painting, coloring books, and other creative projects promote hand-eye coordination and eye health while being safe.
- Building Toys: Blocks, LEGO sets, and other construction toys help develop visual-spatial skills.
- Board Games: Games like checkers, memory games, and dominoes support visual processing and are fun yet safe for children’s eyes.
- Sports with Protective Eyewear: Ensure your child wears goggles or protective glasses when engaging in active play or sports.
Take Action to Protect Their Eyes
Eye injuries are a major cause of concern for children, but with the right awareness and supervision, many injuries can be prevented. At Eyeson Group, we are committed to helping families stay informed about eye safety. If your child sustains an eye injury, contact an eye doctor immediately to ensure prompt care.
For more information on children’s eye health or to schedule an eye exam, reach out to Eyeson Group today.