Toy-buying Tips to Keep Children’s Eyes Safe

As the holiday season approaches, parents across the United States are making their lists for Santa in hopes of making a happy occasion for their youngsters.

And while the little ones may know what toys are the most popular, they are ill-equipped to determine which ones can potentially be dangerous.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 250,000 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms in 2010; nearly three quarters of those injured were children under age 15.

A serious eye injury from a toy can ruin a family’s holiday and leave a child with permanent vision loss. During this holiday season, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is reminding parents about the dangers that toys may pose to children’s eyes and offers its top five tips on how to choose safe toys for gift giving.

Keep these tips in mind this holiday season:

• Avoid purchasing toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts.  
• Make sure children have appropriate supervision when playing with potentially hazardous toys or games that could cause injury.
• If you plan to give sports equipment, provide appropriate protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses. Check with your local Eye M.D. to learn about protective gear recommended for your child's sport.
• Check labels for age recommendations and be sure to select gifts that are appropriate for a child’s age and maturity.
• Keep toys that are made for older children away from younger children.

Contact your doctor with questions on eyes care: