Kids will always be kids. They love to play battle games, like dueling and sword playing. As much fun as kids can have with these games, it’s important to keep safety in mind. When purchasing toys or allowing your child play with certain ones, choosing eye-safe toys for your children should be non-negotiable.
Sling Shots, BB Guns, and Toy Guns, Oh My!
Over 250,000 children are seen in emergency rooms each year due to injury from toys. Many of those are eye injuries. Your child’s precious vision could be in danger from certain unsafe toys.
Anything that includes a projectile should be off-limits to your child. Toy archery sets, water balloon launchers, and anything that shoots something can be dangerous.
It doesn’t matter if they are plastic pellets, plastic arrows, or even foam darts, they can cause damage to your child’s cornea with an abrasion or worse.
The POINT Is
Anything with a point should be nowhere near your children. We mean anything. A toy sword, a fairy godmother wand, or any kind of toy weapon is just an invitation for kids to go to battle.
Dart guns and anything else with a pointy edge to them can end up damaging their eyes.
Surprisingly Risky Toys
You might not think a water gun could be dangerous, but it can be if shot directly into someone’s eye. It can lead to an infection and trips to a pediatric ophthalmology expert like Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Associates.
String spray toys not only have a projectile but also contain an aerosol which can damage the cornea and cause chemical conjunctivitis.
Laser pointers and high-intensity flashlights are another kind of toy children like to play with. These are particularly not safe especially if pointed directly in the eyes.
Keep an “eye” on your child as they play with others to prevent eye injuries from unsafe toys.
Sources:
Best Eye-Safe Toy Holiday Gift Ideas | University of Utah Health
3 Signs Your Children’s Toys Are Safe For Their Eyes | Chesen Laser Eye Center (cheseneyes.com)
Children’s Toys Eye-Safety Tips – Millennium Eye Center
Schedule an Appointment at Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Associates
Make your child’s eye care a priority. Contact Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Associates at (610) 347-7672 for an appointment in Newtown Square.