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Safe Toys and Celebrations Month: Protecting Children’s Vision

Why Toy Safety Matters in December

December is recognized as Safe Toys and Celebrations Month—a timely reminder that children’s eyes are particularly susceptible to injury. Even toys that appear harmless can result in significant harm. Documented injuries include corneal abrasions and ocular hyphema, as well as more serious conditions such as retinal detachment, ruptured globes, and, in some cases, permanent vision loss.

Prevention Is Key

The encouraging news is that the majority of toy-related eye injuries can be avoided. Adopting a few straightforward safety measures can have a major impact on reducing risks.

Steps to Keep Kids Safe

• Avoid toys with sharp, protruding, or projectile parts: These features are leading contributors to eye injuries.
• Supervise children during play: Always monitor children when they are using toys or games that could be potentially hazardous.
• Check laser product labels: Ensure that laser toys comply with essential federal safety standards before allowing children to play with them.
• Pair sports gifts with protective eyewear: Select impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses to provide maximum eye safety during sports and active play.
• Follow age recommendations: Choose toys that are appropriate for the child’s age and developmental stage to minimize the risk of injury.
• Keep older children’s toys out of reach of younger children: This prevents younger children from accidentally using items that could be dangerous for their age group.

Celebration Safety for All

Finally, while focusing on children’s safety, remember to protect your own eyes as well when participating in holiday celebrations.