fbpx

Raising awareness of gifts that are dangerous to eyes

 

Eyecare professionals should take the opportunity in December to remind their patients that certain toys can represent a danger to their children’s eyes.  

 

In the US, Prevent Blindness America takes the issue very seriously and designates December “Safe Toys and Gifts Month.” The not-for-profit organization offers tips on the best ways to choose a safe toy according to the child’s age and on recognizing dangerous toys on one of its website pages: www.preventblindness.org/make-safe-toys-and-gifts-priority. In addition to tips, it includes data on eye injuries caused by toys.

 

It’s important to note that in the US in 2011 there were 262,300 recorded injuries caused by toys, with the head and face being the body parts most often affected. In Canada, the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) issues regular reminders that thousands of children visit emergency rooms each year over the holiday season due to eye injuries caused by toys.

 

To lessen risks, Health Canada suggests in particular avoiding toys that have sharp points and edges and those with arrows, bullets and missiles, and discarding or repairing old or broken toys. Finally, children who have handled sticky gel or soft plastic toys should wash their hands immediately afterward to prevent chemical residues from irritating their eyes.

Sources:

http://www.preventblindness.org/make-safe-toys-and-gifts-priority

http://www.cnib.ca/en/your-eyes/safety/at-play/Pages/child-eyeinjuries-1207.aspx

Featured Posts

World Council of Optometry

WCO Unveils Theme for 2025 World Optometry Week Celebration March 17-23

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the theme for World Optometry Week 2025: Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.

Learn More
CooperVision

CooperVision Reinforces Myopia Management Leadership with Key Infrastructure, Product, and Advocacy Investments

Jennifer Lambert Named Vice President, Myopia Management & Cornea Care

Read more
An infographic explaining how myopia control spectacle lens designs work for treating childhood myopia. On the left, under "Single vision correction," it states that peripheral light rays focus behind the retina, encouraging eye growth and increased myopia progression. The diagram shows peripheral light rays focusing behind the retina, leading to the eye growing longer and becoming more myopic. On the right, under "Myopia control design," it explains that lenslets focus light in front of the retina, slowing the progression of myopia. The diagram includes illustrations of the Essilor Stellest and Hoya MIYOSMART lenses, showing light rays focused by individual lenslets and reduced myopia progression. All of the text also appears in French.

Childhood Myopia (part 4 of 4)

Opticians are the first and most consistent line of communication with the wearer (and their parents). As part of the circle of care treating childhood myopia, they have unique responsibilities and rewards.

Read more
Safilo Group

Safilo and Dsquared2 Announce Early Renewal of Global Multi-Year Licensing Agreement for Eyewear

Safilo Group and Dsquared2 announce the early renewal of their global licensing agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of Dsquared2 branded eyewear collections until the end of December 2031.

Read more
Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Names 2025 Board Members

The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) announced its 2025 Board of Directors, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and driving global action to address childhood myopia.

Read more
World Council of Optometry

WCO Unveils Theme for 2025 World Optometry Week Celebration March 17-23

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the theme for World Optometry Week 2025: Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.

Learn More
CooperVision

CooperVision Reinforces Myopia Management Leadership with Key Infrastructure, Product, and Advocacy Investments

Jennifer Lambert Named Vice President, Myopia Management & Cornea Care

Read More
An infographic explaining how myopia control spectacle lens designs work for treating childhood myopia. On the left, under "Single vision correction," it states that peripheral light rays focus behind the retina, encouraging eye growth and increased myopia progression. The diagram shows peripheral light rays focusing behind the retina, leading to the eye growing longer and becoming more myopic. On the right, under "Myopia control design," it explains that lenslets focus light in front of the retina, slowing the progression of myopia. The diagram includes illustrations of the Essilor Stellest and Hoya MIYOSMART lenses, showing light rays focused by individual lenslets and reduced myopia progression. All of the text also appears in French.

Childhood Myopia (part 4 of 4)

Opticians are the first and most consistent line of communication with the wearer (and their parents). As part of the circle of care treating childhood myopia, they have unique responsibilities and rewards.

Read More
Safilo Group

Safilo and Dsquared2 Announce Early Renewal of Global Multi-Year Licensing Agreement for Eyewear

Safilo Group and Dsquared2 announce the early renewal of their global licensing agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of Dsquared2 branded eyewear collections until the end of December 2031.

Read More
Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Names 2025 Board Members

The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) announced its 2025 Board of Directors, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and driving global action to address childhood myopia.

Read More
World Council of Optometry

WCO Unveils Theme for 2025 World Optometry Week Celebration March 17-23

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the theme for World Optometry Week 2025: Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.

Learn More
CooperVision

CooperVision Reinforces Myopia Management Leadership with Key Infrastructure, Product, and Advocacy Investments

Jennifer Lambert Named Vice President, Myopia Management & Cornea Care

Read more
An infographic explaining how myopia control spectacle lens designs work for treating childhood myopia. On the left, under "Single vision correction," it states that peripheral light rays focus behind the retina, encouraging eye growth and increased myopia progression. The diagram shows peripheral light rays focusing behind the retina, leading to the eye growing longer and becoming more myopic. On the right, under "Myopia control design," it explains that lenslets focus light in front of the retina, slowing the progression of myopia. The diagram includes illustrations of the Essilor Stellest and Hoya MIYOSMART lenses, showing light rays focused by individual lenslets and reduced myopia progression. All of the text also appears in French.

Childhood Myopia (part 4 of 4)

Opticians are the first and most consistent line of communication with the wearer (and their parents). As part of the circle of care treating childhood myopia, they have unique responsibilities and rewards.

Read more
Safilo Group

Safilo and Dsquared2 Announce Early Renewal of Global Multi-Year Licensing Agreement for Eyewear

Safilo Group and Dsquared2 announce the early renewal of their global licensing agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of Dsquared2 branded eyewear collections until the end of December 2031.

Read more
Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Names 2025 Board Members

The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) announced its 2025 Board of Directors, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and driving global action to address childhood myopia.

Read more
World Council of Optometry

WCO Unveils Theme for 2025 World Optometry Week Celebration March 17-23

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the theme for World Optometry Week 2025: Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.

Learn More
CooperVision

CooperVision Reinforces Myopia Management Leadership with Key Infrastructure, Product, and Advocacy Investments

Jennifer Lambert Named Vice President, Myopia Management & Cornea Care

Read more
An infographic explaining how myopia control spectacle lens designs work for treating childhood myopia. On the left, under "Single vision correction," it states that peripheral light rays focus behind the retina, encouraging eye growth and increased myopia progression. The diagram shows peripheral light rays focusing behind the retina, leading to the eye growing longer and becoming more myopic. On the right, under "Myopia control design," it explains that lenslets focus light in front of the retina, slowing the progression of myopia. The diagram includes illustrations of the Essilor Stellest and Hoya MIYOSMART lenses, showing light rays focused by individual lenslets and reduced myopia progression. All of the text also appears in French.

Childhood Myopia (part 4 of 4)

Opticians are the first and most consistent line of communication with the wearer (and their parents). As part of the circle of care treating childhood myopia, they have unique responsibilities and rewards.

Read more
Safilo Group

Safilo and Dsquared2 Announce Early Renewal of Global Multi-Year Licensing Agreement for Eyewear

Safilo Group and Dsquared2 announce the early renewal of their global licensing agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of Dsquared2 branded eyewear collections until the end of December 2031.

Read more
Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Names 2025 Board Members

The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) announced its 2025 Board of Directors, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and driving global action to address childhood myopia.

Read more