According to the Optometrists Network, “over 225,000 toy-related eye injuries occur in the U.S. every year.” While toys are a great way to bring joy to kids, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks they can pose to your child’s eyesight. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some examples of toy-related eye injuries in children and what parents can do to prevent them.
Toy-Related Eye Injuries
One of the most common types of toy-related eye injuries is a corneal abrasion, which occurs when the clear front surface of the eye is scratched. This can happen if a child is playing with a toy that has sharp edges or points, such as a BB gun or arrow. Other common types of eye injuries include contusions (bruises), lacerations (cuts), chemical burns and foreign bodies in the eye.
Risks of Toy-Related Eye Injuries in Children
Eye injuries can range from mild to severe, and if not treated promptly and properly by an eye doctor, they can even lead to permanent vision loss. Children are at high risk for serious eye injuries because their eyes are still developing and they often don’t have the same sense of danger as adults. In addition, children with existing vision problems are at an increased risk of sustaining a toy-related eye injury.
How to Prevent Toy-Related Eye Injuries in Children
The best way to prevent toy-related eye injuries is to make sure that all of the toys your children are playing with are age-appropriate and safe. Avoid toys with sharp edges or points, and look for toys that have been certified by a reputable organization, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It’s also important to supervise your children while they’re playing and to teach them about the importance of eye safety.
Eye safety is an important consideration for all parents, but it’s especially important if you have children with vision problems. If your child wears eyeglasses or contact lenses, make sure that their toys are compatible with their vision correction devices. And always make sure to put away any toy that could potentially cause an eye injury. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your child’s eyes safe this holiday season.
If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, be sure to schedule an appointment with Opti-Care in Eldersburg, MD. We offer comprehensive eye exams as well as a wide range of services for the treatment and management of eye conditions, such as dry eye. Contact us today at (410) 795-8670 to learn more!