One of the most rewarding things about the holiday season is finding that perfect gift for your loved one. But that thrill can sometimes overshadow the reality of whether or not that perfect gift is safe.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology reported that nearly 226,000 toy-related injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms in one year.
More often when safety is considered, we think about the potential for broken bones or choke hazards. What we might forget to consider is that eyes are particularly vulnerable to injury as well. So when shopping this season, here are a few things to consider:
- Avoid toys with sharp or projectile pieces and parts
- Pay attention to the age restrictions on toys and keep toys made for older children out of the hands of younger children
- Consider protective eyewear when giving sports equipment
- If you do purchase something potentially hazardous, make sure there is adult supervision when playing.
- Be sure to read instructions and warnings before operating toys
- Be on the lookout for the letters “ASTM”, which stand for American Society for Testing and Materials. These letters mean the product meets the national safety standard set by ASTM
When purchasing protective eyewear to go along with a gift this year, make sure to purchase ones with polycarbonate lenses. If your child does get injured from a toy, be sure to see medical attention right away.
The holidays are a wonderful time to be with friends and family and you don’t want to miss out by spending it in the Emergency Room. So consider these tips and happy hunting for the perfect safe gift.
From our Piedmont Eye Center family to yours, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season.
