06
Dec 2013
Holiday Safety: Prevent Eye Injuries in Children
The holiday season is a wonderful time, especially when there are children in your life. Holiday gifts of new toys and games can make the occasion even more fun-filled, but parents should remember the importance of eye safety when purchasing toys for their children.
According to the Consumer Products & Safety Commission, nearly a quarter of a million children require emergency room treatment for injuries caused by toys each year. Almost half of these injuries are to the face, and it’s likely all could have been prevented by taking proper precautions for eye safety.
It’s common for doctors to see children around Christmas time with eye injuries from new BB guns, toys with flying parts, scissors, and the like. Toy swords and items with parts that easily shatter are also potential hazards to children’s eyes.
Pellets from a toy BB gun might not be forceful enough to break the skin, but they can be very damaging to the eyes.
One way to prevent eye injuries of this type is to refrain from purchasing these items for your children altogether. If you choose to buy these types of toys, make sure to instruct children how to play with them safely and provide necessary supervision during playtime.
Broken toys are a hazard for children’s eye health as well and should be disposed of appropriately.
Another reason the holiday season can pose a threat to children’s eyes is that parents are often busy trying to tackle all the tasks on their holiday to-do lists and don’t supervise children as well as usual. If your holiday plans include hosting friends or family members with young children, make sure your home is prepped and child-proofed with corner protectors for furniture such as tables and sharp-edged cabinets.
Possible eye injuries might be bleeding in the eye, corneal abrasion, and lens or retina damage. If your child has sustained an eye injury, please see a doctor immediately. Signs to look for include:
– unexplained eye pain
– vision impairment
– blood around the eye
– pupils of an unusual shape or size
– immobility of one or both eyes
By following the above eye safety tips and taking precaution with children’s toys and other potentially hazardous situations, you can help your family enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season. And if you are having issues with your eyes or vision and would like a trusted expert opinion, one of our trained physicians would be happy to consult with you.
To learn more about San Diego’s leading optometry provider, Spektacles Optometry and Eyewear, visit us online at https://www.spektaclessandiego.com or give us a call at 760-452-2895.
Check out another recent post to learn more about tips for preventing common eye injuries.