Each and every holiday season, more than 250,000 toy-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of these, almost half involve the face, including the eyes, and most happen in children under the age of 15. Because of this, it is important to be mindful of the dangers some toys pose. Some popular children’s toys can cause serious eye injuries.
It reminds us of the popular holiday movie, A Christmas Story. In the movie, the main character, Ralphie, asks his mother for an “official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle,” to which Mrs. Parker responds, “No, you’ll shoot your eye out.”
Best of Christmas Story: “You’ll shoot your eye out.”
Despite his mother’s warnings, come Christmas morning, Ralphie finds an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle under the tree. And guess what happens? Well, we don’t want to spoil the movie for you…
This holiday season, it is better to be safe than sorry. Only purchase toys that are safe for your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The good news that most eye injuries can be easily prevented by following these simple tips:
- Avoid toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts.
- Always make sure children are properly supervised when playing with potentially hazardous toys.
- Ensure protective eyewear is worn when there is any risk of eye injury. Of the 1 million people who suffer an eye injury every year in the United States, most could have been avoided with the use of protective eyewear.
- Check labels for age recommendations before purchasing toys.
- Keep toys that are made for older children away from younger children.
Happy Holidays from Anne Arundel Eye Center!
If you have any questions about Eye Safety and Holiday Gifts or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or visiting AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.