NEW YORK—Holiday shopping season is in full swing, and, as always, there’s a lot to consider when buying gifts for our loved ones: sizes, colors, usefulness, whether they already have something. When it comes to the littlest ones on our shopping lists, though, we need to be extra careful. According to Prevent Blindness, “Too often, accidents involving children and toys occur and may result in eye injuries. Each year, thousands of children aged 14 and younger suffered serious eye injuries, even blindness, from toys.” As shopping ramps up and the wrapping paper flies off the presents, here are some important reminders for safe toys.

Prevent Blindness lists three main ways to protect children’s eyes from injuries while playing with toys. These are:

1. Only buy kids toys meant for their age.

2. Show children how to use their toys safely.

3. Be sure to watch your children while they play with their toys.

Prevent Blindness also offers some guidance to help ensure we all choose safe toys for children in our lives. Before buying a toy, the organization recommends the following:

 
  • Read all warnings and instructions on the box.

  • Ask yourself if the toy is right for your child’s ability and age.

  • Avoid purchasing toys with sharp or rigid points, spikes, rods, or dangerous edges.

  • Check the lenses and frames of children’s sunglasses; many can break and cause injuries.

  • Buy toys that will withstand impact and not break into dangerous shards.

  • Look for the letters “ASTM.” This means the product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

  • Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off.

  • Remember that BB guns are NOT toys.
Finally, once the toys are purchased be sure to inspect them for safe and sturdy construction, Prevent Blindness said. Always fix or throw away any broken toys.

In November, The Toy Association also shared some tips and tricks to keep kids safe around toys this holiday season. Joan Lawrence, The Toy Association's “Toy Safety Mom” and SVP of standards and regulatory affairs, explained, “The toy industry is deeply committed to safety. All toys sold in the U.S. must comply with over 100 rigorous safety standards and tests that are required by federal law. But safety is a shared partnership between industry and consumers—which is why Toy Safety Awareness Month aims to help shoppers steer clear of knockoff toys, understand the importance of always following the age labels on toy packaging, know which non-toy items should be kept out of children's reach, and much more.”

The Toy Association reminds adults to make sure they are not purchasing counterfeit toys, always follow age labels, avoid non-toy items and always check for recalls.

Fortified with expert tips and a little holiday magic, all of us can do our part to ensure a happy, safe and healthy December for our loved ones. May your holiday season be filled with joy—and safe toys.

Center For Sight in Las Vegas took to Instagram to list some ways patients can protect children’s vision this December. Image via centerforsightlv on Instagram


The team at Gilmer Eye Care in Gilmer, Texas, reminded patients to choose safe toys this holiday season, alongside some other important holiday vision health tips. Image via gilmereyecarecenter on Instagram