The holiday season often brings a flurry of new toys into your home, sparking excitement and hours of play. However, not all toys are created equal when it comes to safety—especially for your child’s eyes. Each year, thousands of children suffer from toy-related eye injuries, many of which could be prevented with a bit of awareness and caution.

Here’s what you need to know about toy safety this holiday season to keep your child’s vision safe and sound.

Toys to Watch Out For

Certain toys pose a higher risk of eye injuries due to their design or functionality. While they can be fun, extra care is needed when these are in the mix:

Toy Guns and Nerf Blasters

 
These toys shoot foam darts or pellets, which can cause serious injuries if they hit the eye. Even soft darts can lead to corneal abrasions or more severe damage.

Safety Tip: Always provide protective goggles when kids are using projectile toys, and remind them never to aim at faces.

Laser Pointers and Toys with Lasers

 
Toys that include lasers may seem harmless, but even brief exposure can damage the retina. Children may accidentally shine them into their own or someone else’s eyes.

Safety Tip: Avoid giving laser toys to young children, and supervise older kids during use.

Flying Toys and Drones

 
Remote-controlled helicopters, drones, and other flying toys can cause accidental collisions with the face, leading to eye injuries.
Safety Tip: Ensure there’s plenty of open space for flying these toys and remind kids to avoid launching them near others.

Sharp or Pointed Toys

 
Toys with small, detachable parts, sharp edges, or rods can accidentally poke or scratch the eyes.

Safety Tip: Choose toys with rounded edges and larger components for younger children.

How to Choose Safe Toys 

When shopping for holiday gifts, keep these tips in mind:

Check Age Recommendations: These guidelines are not just for skill level; they also factor in safety concerns.

Inspect for Quality: Choose toys made from sturdy materials with no sharp edges or loose parts.

Look for Safety Certifications: Toys labeled with ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards meet essential safety criteria.

What to Do If an Eye Injury Occurs

Accidents can happen despite your best efforts. If your child experiences an eye injury:

Don’t Delay: Seek immediate medical attention if the injury seems serious or if your child complains of vision problems.

Avoid Touching the Eye: Do not attempt to remove objects from the eye or apply pressure.

Follow Up: Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a professional to prevent long-term damage.

How Kopolow & Girisgen, Doctors of Optometry Can Help

 
Toys bring joy and excitement to the holidays, but safety should always come first. By being mindful of the potential risks and taking precautions, you can ensure your child enjoys their new toys without jeopardizing their vision.

As always, to ensure your eyes remain safe around the holidays and all year round, it’s crucial to receive a comprehensive eye examination. You can schedule your eye examination with the caring doctors at Kopolow & Girisgen, Doctors of Optometry. Schedule An Appointment online or simply text GLASSES to 21000, and a member of our friendly team will be in touch