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This holiday season, remember to protect your child’s vision while celebrating Safe Toy Month in December. In 2014 alone, there were 251,800 toy-related injuries to a child’s head or eyes that resulted in a trip to the emergency room. Luckily, there are a number of different ways you can ensure your child’s vision remains safe while still enjoying their toys this holiday season.

What Toys Pose a Threat?

While many toys may seem harmful to your child’s eyes, there are certain varieties that pose a higher risk of injury. Toys that shoot projectiles may not seem like a threat because they use soft, cushy materials, but can still launch far enough distances that the impact will cause trauma to the eye.

Additionally, fake weapons like swords pose a risk to your child’s vision because they can easily poke or pierce the eye. Even play items like laser pointers and high-powered flashlights can cause temporary blindness if pointed directly at a child’s eyes, which could lead to falls or other accidents.

How to Protect Your Child

visionThere are two factors two consider when thinking about toy safety and your child’s vision: what is the purpose of the toy and is it age appropriate? Toys like play guns or play swords aren’t ideal for children under the age of 10, as they tend to get carried away and lack the fine motor skills needed to ensure they don’t accidentally injure their playmate. Regardless of the toy, remember to monitor children – both younger and more mature ones – to observe that they are playing with the toys safely and appropriately.

What Can You Do if Injury Occurs?

If a toy injures your child’s eye and the pain doesn’t go away after a cold compress and over-the-counter medication, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. Additionally, if you notice significant redness, swelling or blood around the eyes, call your eye professional to determine where you take your child – whether it’s their office or an after-hours emergency center.

 

For nearly 30 years, families in Lorain County, Ohio have entrusted their vision care needs to the eye doctors at Eric G. Stocker, OD. Whether your child sustained an eye injury from a holiday toy or simply needs to have their vision checked, the professionals at Eric G. Stocker, OD are well-versed and knowledgeable when treating patients of all ages. To learn more about additional services offered by this eye doctor, visit them online or call (440) 988-4419.

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