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Toying with Your Eyes
How to avoid eye injuries this holiday season
With the holiday season well on its way, many Americans are hurrying to finish up some last minute shopping. While it’s easy to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle, it is important to make sure that the gifts you are buying are safe and age appropriate.
In 2005, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that more than 210,000 toy-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms. About 6,000 of those were eye injuries in children under the age of 15.
“While it can be difficult to resist a child’s pleading for certain toys, sometimes you must for their safety,” said Andrew Iwach, MD American Academy of Ophthalmology spokesperson. “Every year ophthalmologists treat devastating injuries that seemingly safe toys can cause.”
To avoid eye injuries remember to be smart when shopping for presents this year. Follow the tips below to help you avoid the emergency room this holiday season:
- Look for the letters ASTM on toys – this means the product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
- Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
- Check toy labels for age recommendations.
- Provide supervision for children playing with potentially hazardous toys.
- Avoid toys that shoot or have parts that fly off.
- Stay updated on recalled products.
- Make a list of safety rules for your children.
- Keeps toys meant for older children away from younger ones.
For more information on eye safety and eye health, visit the Eye Health 101 Section on the left.