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If you have young children in your family, toys are sure to play a large part in your holiday celebrations. While it may be tempting to buy your kids any toys they ask for, it can be helpful to stop and think about proper eye care and safety before you commit to your gift list. Learn more about what toys to avoid and why before you start shopping this year.

How to Choose Safe Toys for the Holidays

Avoiding Unsafe Toys

One of the most obvious types of toys that can be detrimental to proper eye care is anything with a projectile element. This includes toy guns, water guns, and water balloons. While these items are safe when used at a proper distance, kids can get excited and use them at a dangerously close range.

eye careOther toy weapons like swords and wands also offer too much temptation for your kids to swing or jab them at each other’s faces.

Chemicals in aerosol cans of silly string can cause eye irritation and damage, while laser pointers and bright flashlights have the potential to cause temporary or permanent vision loss.

What to Do if a Toy Causes Eye Trauma

Even the most prepared parents may find themselves dealing with an eye injury come Christmas morning. If your child’s injury is minor, provide eye care by holding gauze over the wound, cleaning it with water, and applying a bandage. Make an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible.

For a bruise or black eye, apply an ice pack for 20 minutes per hour, then switch to a hot compress after two days. Apply the hot washcloth for 10 minutes three times per day.

If there’s an object stuck in your child’s eye, don’t try to remove it. Instead, take them to the emergency room immediately. For a chemical-related injury, rinse the eye and keep your child from rubbing it before taking them to the ER.

 

Get outstanding treatment for your child’s eye injuries at any time of year by contacting Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight in Crestview Hills, KY. The medical staff has more than 34 years of experience in eye care and is dedicated to helping protect your family’s sight. The team provides compassionate care to each and every patient across the greater Cincinnati area. Make your appointment today by calling (859) 331-5600 or learn more about the practice online.

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