It’s the season of giving! With all the lights and decorations that adorn houses and the Christmas music that is constantly played everywhere, it’s beginning to feel like the holidays! When this season approaches we start to think about what gifts we are going to buy. Often lost in the excitement of purchasing gifts we forget to think about what may be the safest options for children. The most common injuries caused by toys are corneal abrasions and hyphema. In more severe injuries, ruptured eyeballs, retinal detachment, and even blindness can occur. By planning beforehand and knowing what precautions to take, everyone can have a joyful holiday experience.
Some toys may look harmless but taking a thorough look at it may reveal some unexpected sharp or serrated edges. If a child is running around with the toy and somehow falls, the toy could potentially make contact with the child’s eye and cause an unforeseen injury. It may also be possible that the toy shatters and pieces of it can reach their eyes. Always do a visual check of all toys and avoid those that do have visible sharp edges.
A toy that has been popular among children are Nerf guns. While these toys can cause an adrenaline rush while children play with them, the adrenaline may subside if they are accidentally hit in the eye with a dart. The dart itself is made out of a soft squishy material but the tip is often hard and solid making it a danger if it somehow finds its way to the eye. Pellet guns are also highly dangerous and should be used with caution if gifted. If you do choose to give your child a projectile gift make sure to talk extensively about the dangers and how they can protect their eyes when using them.
For those children that are active and participate in sports, gifting them new equipment can be a great choice. If you do plan on buying them new sports equipment always remember to purchase protective eyewear for them. Safety glasses, goggles, or a shield for their eyes is a wise purchase to make because it can minimize eye injuries. A recommended material for protective eyewear is polycarbonate due to its shatterproof nature and anti-scratch quality.
Always supervise children if they are using a toy that is new to them. This can help prevent eye injuries and you can help instruct them on how to properly play with them. Something that is also often overlooked when buying toys is the intended age the toy is being marketed to. Each toy is made for a specific age and certain maturity level, always keep this in mind when purchasing a toy for a child. Taking basic precautions will help minimize injuries and help you have a stress-free holiday. Happy holidays and stay safe!
