Keeping Kids Safe from Eye Injuries This Holiday Season: What Parents Need to Know

December 3, 2024

The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, celebrations, and gift-giving. However, some of the most popular toys and celebratory items come with hidden risks, especially when it comes to eye safety. Did you know that about 1 in 10 children’s eye injuries treated in the emergency room are caused by toys? This December, as part of Safe Toys and Celebrations Month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is raising awareness about eye injury prevention to ensure families enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season.

Toy Safety Tips: Choosing the Right Gifts

Toys are a major part of holiday gift-giving for children, but it’s essential to choose them wisely. Many injuries are preventable with careful toy selection. The AAO urges parents to avoid toys that can be dangerous to children’s eyes, particularly those that launch projectiles or involve sharp or fast-moving parts.

Consider the Following Safety Tips When Shopping for Toys:

1. Avoid Toys that Shoot Projectiles
   Toys like BB guns, slingshots, crossbows, and darts may seem fun, but they are a leading cause of eye injuries among children. These toys can shoot objects at high speeds, potentially causing serious injuries like corneal abrasions, retinal detachment, or even permanent vision loss. Opt for non-projectile toys or safer alternatives to reduce the risk.
2. Choose Age-Appropriate Gifts
   Always check the manufacturer’s recommended age range on toy packaging. Toys meant for older children may have small parts, sharp edges, or other elements that are not safe for younger kids.
3. Encourage Eye Protection for Sporting Equipment
   If you’re giving sporting equipment, consider also including appropriate protective eyewear. Eye protection, such as goggles, can significantly reduce the risk of injury during activities like basketball, baseball, or other high-impact sports.
4. Supervise Playtime
   Toys can be safe when used as intended and with adult supervision. Always keep an eye on children when they’re playing, especially with toys that could potentially cause harm.

Celebrating Safely: Champagne Tips for the New Year

It’s not just toys that can pose risks—New Year’s celebrations with champagne can lead to accidental eye injuries if bottles are not opened carefully. Champagne corks can fly out of the bottle at speeds up to 50 mph, which is fast enough to break glass. Improperly opened bottles can result in corneal abrasions, ruptures, or even bleeding in the eye.

Here’s How to Open Champagne Safely:

1. Chill the Champagne
   Ensure that the bottle is chilled to at least 45°F before opening it. Cold champagne is less likely to gush or send the cork flying at high speeds.
2. Use a Towel and Hold the Cork Firmly
   Place a towel over the cork, hold it down with your palm, and twist the bottle slowly. Resist the urge to point the bottle at someone or yourself, and always aim it at a safe, empty area.
3. Twist the Bottle, Not the Cork
   Instead of pulling the cork out, twist the bottle gently while holding the cork securely. This method allows for a slow release, reducing the chance of a dangerous pop.

Enjoy a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

By choosing safe toys, encouraging proper eye protection, and taking precautions when opening champagne, you can help protect your family from preventable eye injuries. Let’s keep this holiday season joyful by taking these small but significant steps for eye safety.

For more information on eye health and holiday safety, consult an ophthalmologist. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season!