Eye injuries can happen any time of the year, but there’s no denying the holiday season can pose some special risks, especially for kids.
Fortunately, you can reduce that risk by taking a few simple steps and being aware of the types of injuries that can happen.
As Arizona’s leading pediatric ophthalmology practice, ABC Children's Eye Specialists wants kids (and parents) to enjoy the holiday season to its fullest. Here, learn a few tips that can help you protect your child’s eyes and focus on the fun and festivities.
That sparkly Christmas tree may be beautiful, but sharp branches, ornament hooks, and string lights can all pose hazards, especially among young kids who want to help with the decoration.
Choosing ornaments specifically for young kids and monitoring them closely during tree-trimming activities helps your child take part in the fun while still keeping their eyes and vision protected.
If you have a real tree, consider eye allergies. Many kids are allergic to evergreens, and for many, that means itchy, burning, and watery eyes. If you notice eye allergy symptoms, call the office so we can provide some much-needed relief.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) reports that more than 11% of kids’ eye injuries are toy-related.
But the good news is, when it comes to selecting gifts for kids, parents and other loved ones have a built-in “cheat sheet.” Just take a look at the “age-appropriate” range featured on most toys and games.
This range isn’t about your child’s intelligence or maturity. Instead, it’s based on safety data that helps identify the best audience for a given product. Sticking to the recommended range helps reduce the risk of injuries, including injuries affecting your child’s eyes.
If you give sports equipment, go the extra step and include protective eyewear suited to the sport.
On its website, the AAO offers some ideas for gifts that pose little risk to your child’s eyes, and the Prevent Blindness website features a quick checklist to help choose toys that are safe for your recipient.
Skip any toy with projectiles. Even toys with seemingly harmless foam “darts” can cause injuries to your child’s eyes, including scratches, intraocular bleeding, retinal detachment, and even ruptured eyeballs and permanent vision loss.
If your child receives such a gift, make sure they know never to aim for a person’s face when firing it.
Be aware of toys that feature lasers and ensure they comply with the FDA’s latest regulations. Finally, if your child is receiving any gift that requires a screen, like a video game, be sure they take plenty of breaks to reduce the risk of digital eye strain and discomfort.
Sunlight always feels good, especially during the winter when it’s in shorter supply. But too much sun isn’t good for your child’s eyes, and that includes winter sunshine.
Even though ultraviolet radiation levels tend to be lower during the winter months when the sun is lower in the sky, it’s still there, and your child’s eyes still need protection. Make sure they wear sunglasses when playing outside, and be aware of the added glare from snow and ice.
If your child plays winter sports or enjoys skiing or snowboarding, wearing snow goggles is essential. Not only can goggles block glare and improve vision, but they also keep tiny shards of ice from scratching your child’s corneas.
Regular eye exams are important for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision. If your child is overdue for their regular eye exam, call our offices to request an appointment with our team at ABC Children’s Eye Specialists in Phoenix, Union Hills, Avondale, Sun City, Gilbert, and Mesa, Arizona, today.
