Toys and Children’s Eye Safety

According to Prevent Blindness America, children sustain approximately 11,000 toy-related eye injuries each year. Most toy-related eye injuries are treated, have no long-term effects, and are easily preventable.

Be aware of the dangers
Toys play a tremendous role in childhood development, but fun does not always equal safe. While common sense is always your best defense, there are some definite toys to avoid. Toys guns, fireworks and laser pointers should be avoided completely or only permitted with close parental supervision for children of the appropriate age. Check toy packaging for age guidelines.

Select safe toys
It’s smart to establish your own safety checks to help you make the right toy decisions for your little one.

Here are some steps to follow:

• Prepare: Research the right toys for your child’s age group to determine the toys that interest them. Browse safety and toy reviews left online by other parents like you.
• Read labels: Check for “ASTM” on the label, meaning the toy conforms to specific national safety standards.
• Play inspector: Are there sharp, pointed edges on the toy? Examine toys for sturdy construction.
• Keep safety going at home: Demonstrate proper use of the toy to your child. Put toys away after playtime is over. Dispose of broken toys immediately.

View the Safe Toys and Celebrations Month flyer.