By: Lawrence V. Najarian, MD and Lisa Ortenzio, OD
Q:When choosing holiday gifts for children, why consider eye safety?
A: Eyes are particularly vulnerable to injuries. And injuries to the eye can have life-long effects. Commonly reported injuries from toys include corneal abrasions and ocular hyphema. More severe trauma can lead to retinal detachment, ruptured eyeballs, and even blindness.
Q: What toys should I avoid as holiday gifts?
A: Air guns are a notorious threat to the eyes. New findings suggest these guns are harming more eyes than ever before. Eye injuries from paintball, pellet, airsoft, and BB guns have risen by 50% since 1990 — even as injuries to other body parts become less common. Additional tips:
- Avoid purchasing toys with sharp, protruding, or projectile parts.
- Check the labels of laser products for evidence that the device complies with 21 CFR (the Code of Federal Regulations) Subchapter J.
- Do not give toys meant for older children to younger children. Always check the age recommendation before purchasing a toy.
- If you give sports equipment, also give the appropriate protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses.
Q: Can you recommend eye-safe toys and gifts that will also keep kids off screens
A: Frequent breaks from phones and computers are an excellent way to decrease eye strain. Stepping away from screens and out into the sun may also help decrease myopia, or nearsightedness, in kids.
- Arts and craft supplies are fun and get the creative juices flowing. Paint sets, coloring books, easels, jewelry beads for younger kids, and knitting/sewing kits for older kids. Just make sure to check the recommended age group before buying.
- Outdoor-inspired gifts. Sports equipment gifts like snow gear, roller skates, hiking boots, or the classic bicycle are all excellent ways to encourage healthy outdoor play. Have a kid athlete in your life? Get them the proper protective eyewear for their sport of choice. For skiers or snowboarders, that means UV-protected goggles—cold weather does not shield the eyes from the sun!
- Educational games for all ages. Building blocks and solving puzzles become easier for toddlers as their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills develop. Educational board games, memory games, and other games with educational themes are great options for learning to count and tell time. For older kids, find classic board games in foreign languages—such as Guess Who or Scrabble—to practice basic language questions and grammar in a new language!
- Card games and board games provide teens a fantastic opportunity to unplug from their devices and engage in meaningful interactions with friends and family. TableTopics Teen Edition and What Do You Meme are great examples of thought-provoking card games, while classic Scattergories and Monopoly offer hours of competitive fun and bonding.
- Healthy Meal Delivery Kit Subscriptions. Whether cooking with family or setting a teen up for success, you can’t go wrong with nutritious ingredients and recipes. Also, be sure to read up on kitchen eye safety. Hot grease can splatter and cause eye burns. Spicy residues can stick to your fingers and end up in your eye. Stay safe when using knives and sharp utensils
Q: What if my child’s eye gets injured?
A: An eye injury of any severity should be examined by an eye doctor or medical doctor immediately even if the injury seems minor; left untreated, it could result in a serious infection or even blindness.
Dr. Lawrence V. Najarian is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and the Founder and Medical Director of Bedminster Eye and Laser Center. Lisa Ortenzio is a Doctor of Optometry. For over 30 years, Bedminster Eye and Laser Center has delivered trusted, full-service eye care with offices in Bedminster and Teaneck providing everything you need for your best vision, from the latest advances in medical and surgical care to selecting the proper eyewear.
Bedminster Eye and Laser Center, P.A.
400 Main Street • Bedminster, NJ • 908-781-2020
Teaneck Eye and Laser Center • 201-833-8333