Ophthalmologists Offer Toy-buying Tips to Keep Children’s Eyes Safe

Five Tips for Choosing Safe Toys This Holiday

© 2011 American Academy of Ophthalmology

No one chooses gifts with the intent to harm, but some popular children’s toys can cause serious eye or other injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 250,000 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms in 2010; nearly three quarters of those injured were children under age 15.

‘You’ll shoot your eye out’

Gifts potentially unsafe for eyes include BB guns, darts, pellet guns and paintball guns. But saying no to so much can leave parents feeling like a kill-joy. What to do?

• As a general rule, choose toys that are appropriate for your child's age and abilities.
• Consider your own willingness to supervise use of the toy and buy accordingly.
• If giving sports equipment, a popular gift, include appropriate protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses. Check with your local Eye M.D. to learn about protective gear recommended for your child's sport.

Choosing safe toys can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Here are five tips on choosing safe toys for gift-giving and reducing other sight threats around the Christmas tree. A serious eye injury from a toy can ruin your family’s holiday and, more seriously leave your child with permanent vision loss.

Five tips for a safe holiday season

1. Avoid buying toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts.

2. Check labels for age recommendations and be sure to select gifts that are appropriate for a child’s age and maturity.

3. The branches and needles of Christmas trees can be hazardous to the eyes, so be especially careful when untying your tree. The branches can burst forward, hitting and injuring your eyes. Glass ornaments should be hung out of a child’s reach to avoid potential injury.

4. Make sure children have appropriate supervision when playing with potentially hazardous toys or games that could cause injury

5. Keep toys made for older children away from younger children.