Preventing Toy-Related Eye Injuries in Children

While you want your kids to have fun and enjoy their childhood, you also want to keep them safe. Without proper supervision, children could be at risk of getting eye injuries caused by toys. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that every year in the United States, emergency rooms treat more than 200,000 children for toy-related eye injuries. 

Read on as Insight Vision Center Optometry—your trusted clinic for orthokeratology in Newport Beach, CA—is here to discuss how toys can damage your child’s vision and what to do to avoid such injuries. 

Different Ways That Children Can Injure Their Eyes With Toys

Eye doctors in Costa Mesa, CA say that the most common cause of eye injury is getting hit in the eye with a toy or object. This can happen when children are playing catch or other games where objects are thrown back and forth. Another instance that can cause this problem is when a child is hit by a swinging toy, like a bat or racket.

Moreover, children who rub their eyes too hard with small objects are more likely to get injured. This typically happens when children are playing with dolls or stuffed animals and they rub the doll’s eyes or pull on the animal’s ears too hard. Building blocks and other small toys that have rough edges can scratch the child’s eyes and cause an injury.

Proper Use and Care of Toys

The best way to prevent toy-related eye injuries in children is to make sure that they are using their toys properly and taking care of them.

Here are a few tips:

• Always supervise your child when they are playing with toys. This will help you make sure that they are using the toys safely and not doing anything that could cause an injury.
• Make sure that all of your child’s toys are in good condition. Throw away any broken or damaged toys. Inspect small objects for rough edges that could scratch the eye.
• Teach your child how to play with their toys safely. For example, show them how to catch a ball without swinging it too hard. You can also teach them how to hold a bat correctly so they don’t hit themselves in the face. Explain why it’s important not to pull on the doll’s eyes or ears too hard.

How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Child

Keep safety in mind when choosing toys for your child. Here are a few things to look for:

• Avoid toys with small parts. These can be swallowed or inhaled and cause choking or other injuries.
• Don’t buy toys with sharp edges. These can cut or scratch the skin, including the eyes.
• Consider your child’s age. Toys that are too advanced can be confusing and frustrating for your kids, which can lead to them being used in an unsafe way.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your child safe from toy-related eye injuries. If you are concerned that your child may have injured their eyes, turn to us at Insight Vision Center Optometry for ortho-k in Costa Mesa, CA. Call (714) 486-3315 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.