Gifts, Toys, and Eye Safety Awareness

Home \ News and Events \ Gifts, Toys, and Eye Safety Awareness

Holiday season is rapidly approaching and we all know what that means, Erector Sets for some, and Barbie dolls for others. Well meaning family members enjoy surprising the young children with the ''in'' toys for the holidays.
The American Optometric Association advises that family members inform relatives about some rules about safe and age appropriate toys. Injuries with unsafe toys can take place, sometimes resulting in damaged vision.

How can parents avoid toy related eye injuries?

  1. Only purchase toys which are age and developmentally suitable. Be careful not to permit small children to play with toys and games made for older siblings.
  2. Teach children the safe way to play with new toys and games. Before play, if possible carefully check toys for sharp or pointed edges.
  3. Look after small children while they play.
  4. Prevent eye injuries by tossing out toys with points, spikes, rods or plastic or wooden missiles, commonly found in war-themed toys.

Before buying the toy that your child has been begging for, take a few minutes to look over toy safety guidelines. The holidays are a great time for creating special moments with your family, not the doctor on call at the local ER. Happy Holidays.