SAFE TOYS AND CELEBRATIONS BLOG

December is Safe Toys and Celebrations Month

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With the holidays fast approaching, December brings much anticipation and excitement – both for the Christmas season and New Year celebrations!  However, it is important to be safe while enjoying the holidays.  That’s why the American Academy of Ophthalmology has chosen December for Safe Toys and Celebrations Month.  We have a few tips to keep your eyes safe this holiday season. 

 

Safe Children's Toys

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According to the AAO, approximately 1 in 10 children’s eye injuries that end up in the ER are a result of toys.  When buying children’s toys, it is important to be cautious in choosing presents that are age appropriate.  Additionally, the AAO recommends that parents avoid toys that launch projectiles, such as darts and BB guns (remember the scene from a Christmas Story: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”).  As well, parents are encouraged to avoid toys that have sharp objects or edges.  Also, we recommend that toys requiring batteries have compartments that can only be opened with a screw driver as children should not have access to batteries.  We recommend avoiding toys that contain toxic substances especially if they can leak from the toy (dyes, water compartments, etc).  Toxic substances, including discharge from old batteries, should not come into contact the skin, nose, mouth, or the eyes.

 

In addition to buying toys that are age appropriate, it is also recommended that proper directions and instructions for toys are reviewed with parents before children play with toys.  As well, when necessary, ensure that children are supervised when playing with their new presents!

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Safe Celebrations!

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Don’t forget to be extra careful with decorations and celebrations!  Tree ornaments are often very fragile and can break very easily.  To avoid any complications from decorations, fragile ornaments should be secured firmly on sturdy branches.  If an ornament breaks, be sure to avoid skin or eye contact and exercise caution when cleaning up.  Should any particulate get into the eyes, seek immediate medical attention.   

 

As well, champagne corks can cause serious eye damage and, when opening, should be pointed away from yourself and others.  If the family has any skiing or sledding plans on the horizon, remember that proper eye protection is very important.  In particular, the proper UV protection (sunglasses or goggles) should be worn to prevent any glare from the bright sun off the snow.  Or, if you are taking any warm vacations during the winter months, don't forget to pack your sunglasses when you pack the sunscreen!​

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Eye Emergencies

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If you have any trauma (glass in the eye, redness, chemicals, or physical injury) to the eyes over the holiday season, be sure to have your eye examined immediately.  With a valid SK health card, all emergency eye exams are covered by your optometrist.  Of course, it is important to have routine dilated eye exams to ensure your eyes are seeing their best.  If you are overdue for an eye exam, treat your eyes to an eye exam this holiday season!  To schedule an eye exam or for walk-in hours, please call 306-719-2020.

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Protect your eye, protect your vision!

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Remember these few tips and you’ll be able to celebrate the holidays while still promoting eye health for children of all ages! 

 

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References:

1. Vision Optical: http://www.visionopticalbillings.com/category/eye-health-billings-mt/

2. American Academy of Ophthalmology: https://www.aao.org/newsroom/observances