Avoid Toy-Related Eye Injuries This Holiday

Children dream for weeks about opening up a shiny new toy on Christmas day. They tear open the box and immediately start playing — disregarding any potential safety hazards. When purchasing gifts this season, it’s important to shop wisely and to teach your children how to safely play with their new toys. 

Over 250,000 toy-related injuries are reported and treated every year. These injuries include black eyes, corneal abrasions, and blows to the eye that lead to bruising and internal bleeding. Some severe cases have led to retinal detachment and vision loss. 

Here are our tips to help avoid any toy-related injuries this holiday. 

• Avoid projectiles. Queue the famous line from A Christmas Story. “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” One of the leading causes of toy-related eye injuries are toys with projectiles, BB guns, bow and arrows, and other toys that send objects through the air. If toys with projectiles are at the top of their wish list, pair the gift with a pair of goggles or a face-covering helmet. 
• Avoid toys with rigid or sharp points. Swords, wands, and other sharp, pointy objects are the cherry on top to complete a costume or help your child get transported into their magical imagination. However, their excitement may get the best of them while swinging around a sword or casting a spell and may result in a blow to the face. Opt for foam toys as much as possible to reduce potential injury to the eyes and faces.
• Read all warnings and instructions for proper use and play. Teach your children the Do’s and Don’ts of the toy. (Do – Play in an open area, Don’t – Avoid swinging or pointing toy at others) 
• Consider the maturity and age level of the child or teen you are shopping for. Additionally, consider the other children in the home and what could happen if a younger child picked up their older sibling’s toy. Make sure to store any dangerous toys out of reach of younger children. 
• Watch your children while playing. A watchful eye helps reduce the improper use of a toy.

Eye Injury First Aid

In the case of a laceration or an object lodged in the eye, seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to remove anything from the eye and instruct your child to not rub their eye as this may cause further injury. Create a shield to protect the eye using a cup. Cover the eye with the cup and secure it with first-aid tape. However, do not add any pressure to the eye. Once protected, seek immediate medical attention. 

The holidays are meant for time spent with family and friends, not time spent in the emergency room. Use caution when shopping and gifting this season. Make sure to take note of mindful practices when playing with toys and gifts and schedule a routine eye exam! Our team of qualified vision experts is here to assist and educate you and your child along the way. Our trained staff will work with you to diagnose any vision problems and suggest the best treatment options and corrective and protective measures for you and your child’s eyes. Schedule an appointment or visit us today! 

We hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday! 

To learn more tips on eye safety and overall eye health knowledge, continue reading on our blog.

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