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

Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

New Contact Lens Update Focuses on Sustainability for Practices, Manufacturers, and Patients

As the “Earth Month” comes to a close, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published a new guide to help practice staff and manufacturers minimize environmental impact year-round.

Learn More
Voila March-April Optik 2025 COS Silhouette Clear Sky

“Clear Sky” Pioneers Sustainable Eyewear

Silhouette unveils the first-ever eyewear made from a new bio-circular material, sourced from organic waste in agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture.

Read more
Optometry Giving Sight logo a turquoise eye with black icons in the shape of people for the iris

Optometry Giving Sight Chair Receives Award from World Optometry Council

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) announces that Dr. Susan Cooper has been named the recipient of the World Optometry Council’s (WCO) 2025 Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Dr. Uduak Udom.

Read more
March April 2025 Optik magazine- Breaking the Cycle How to Curb Contact Lens Dropout

Breaking the Cycle: How to Curb Contact Lens Dropout

A coordinated clinical approach and proactive communication can turn first-time contact lens wearers into loyal, long-term patients. Here's how to break the dropout cycle.

Read more
Plan B alternative logo and East Optical logo

Alternative Eyewear and East Optical Launch “IndiiPro Package” Indii Kids Frames with MyoPro® Myopia‑Management Lenses

Alternative Eyewear, in partnership with East Optical, unveil the IndiiPro package—pairing the new Indi kids’ children’s frame with East Optical’s clinically proven MyoPro® lenses.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

New Contact Lens Update Focuses on Sustainability for Practices, Manufacturers, and Patients

As the “Earth Month” comes to a close, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published a new guide to help practice staff and manufacturers minimize environmental impact year-round.

Learn More
Voila March-April Optik 2025 COS Silhouette Clear Sky

“Clear Sky” Pioneers Sustainable Eyewear

Silhouette unveils the first-ever eyewear made from a new bio-circular material, sourced from organic waste in agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture.

Read More
Optometry Giving Sight logo a turquoise eye with black icons in the shape of people for the iris

Optometry Giving Sight Chair Receives Award from World Optometry Council

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) announces that Dr. Susan Cooper has been named the recipient of the World Optometry Council’s (WCO) 2025 Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Dr. Uduak Udom.

Read More
March April 2025 Optik magazine- Breaking the Cycle How to Curb Contact Lens Dropout

Breaking the Cycle: How to Curb Contact Lens Dropout

A coordinated clinical approach and proactive communication can turn first-time contact lens wearers into loyal, long-term patients. Here's how to break the dropout cycle.

Read More
Plan B alternative logo and East Optical logo

Alternative Eyewear and East Optical Launch “IndiiPro Package” Indii Kids Frames with MyoPro® Myopia‑Management Lenses

Alternative Eyewear, in partnership with East Optical, unveil the IndiiPro package—pairing the new Indi kids’ children’s frame with East Optical’s clinically proven MyoPro® lenses.

Read More
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

New Contact Lens Update Focuses on Sustainability for Practices, Manufacturers, and Patients

As the “Earth Month” comes to a close, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published a new guide to help practice staff and manufacturers minimize environmental impact year-round.

Learn More
Voila March-April Optik 2025 COS Silhouette Clear Sky

“Clear Sky” Pioneers Sustainable Eyewear

Silhouette unveils the first-ever eyewear made from a new bio-circular material, sourced from organic waste in agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture.

Read more
Optometry Giving Sight logo a turquoise eye with black icons in the shape of people for the iris

Optometry Giving Sight Chair Receives Award from World Optometry Council

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) announces that Dr. Susan Cooper has been named the recipient of the World Optometry Council’s (WCO) 2025 Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Dr. Uduak Udom.

Read more
March April 2025 Optik magazine- Breaking the Cycle How to Curb Contact Lens Dropout

Breaking the Cycle: How to Curb Contact Lens Dropout

A coordinated clinical approach and proactive communication can turn first-time contact lens wearers into loyal, long-term patients. Here's how to break the dropout cycle.

Read more
Plan B alternative logo and East Optical logo

Alternative Eyewear and East Optical Launch “IndiiPro Package” Indii Kids Frames with MyoPro® Myopia‑Management Lenses

Alternative Eyewear, in partnership with East Optical, unveil the IndiiPro package—pairing the new Indi kids’ children’s frame with East Optical’s clinically proven MyoPro® lenses.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

New Contact Lens Update Focuses on Sustainability for Practices, Manufacturers, and Patients

As the “Earth Month” comes to a close, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published a new guide to help practice staff and manufacturers minimize environmental impact year-round.

Learn More
Voila March-April Optik 2025 COS Silhouette Clear Sky

“Clear Sky” Pioneers Sustainable Eyewear

Silhouette unveils the first-ever eyewear made from a new bio-circular material, sourced from organic waste in agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture.

Read more
Optometry Giving Sight logo a turquoise eye with black icons in the shape of people for the iris

Optometry Giving Sight Chair Receives Award from World Optometry Council

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) announces that Dr. Susan Cooper has been named the recipient of the World Optometry Council’s (WCO) 2025 Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Dr. Uduak Udom.

Read more
March April 2025 Optik magazine- Breaking the Cycle How to Curb Contact Lens Dropout

Breaking the Cycle: How to Curb Contact Lens Dropout

A coordinated clinical approach and proactive communication can turn first-time contact lens wearers into loyal, long-term patients. Here's how to break the dropout cycle.

Read more
Plan B alternative logo and East Optical logo

Alternative Eyewear and East Optical Launch “IndiiPro Package” Indii Kids Frames with MyoPro® Myopia‑Management Lenses

Alternative Eyewear, in partnership with East Optical, unveil the IndiiPro package—pairing the new Indi kids’ children’s frame with East Optical’s clinically proven MyoPro® lenses.

Read more