Eye Care
Spend The Holidays with Family This Year, Not in the Emergency Room
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Nov 20, 2006 - 7:00:00 AM

Spend The Holidays with Family This Year, Not in the Emergency Room

Toy-related Injuries Sent More than 202,000 Children to the Hospital Last Year



(HealthNewsDigest.com).. CHICAGO – It seems the holidays keep coming earlier and earlier every year, thanks in large part to retailers. Stores are already stocked with merchandise and decorations to tempt buyers into starting their holiday shopping immediately. And with all the pressures of buying the hottest toy or gadget, it’s easy to get swept away.

But before you head to the mall or go online, remember to make sure that the gift you purchase will be a safe one. Unfortunately, thousands of children are injured every year by toys. In 2005, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that 202,300 children were treated in the emergency room for toy-related injuries. And, 7,820 of those injuries were to the eyes of children ages 14 and younger. Eye injuries consisted of lacerations, abrasions and foreign bodies.

Air, BB and Spring guns accounted for a large portion of the documented injuries to children’s eyes. Any toys that shoot projectiles are always dangerous. Even common products such as pens, pencils, crayons and other art supplies, were involved in many accidents. In fact, most injuries are not caused by defective toys or products.

“It’s so important to make sure that every toy a child plays with is age appropriate,” said Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America. “90 percent of all eye injuries are preventable but we have to closely monitor kids to ensure their safety.”

Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization, has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Month and is urging all toy buyers to read the labels and pay attention to what their children are playing with.

The group suggests the following tips to help make this holiday season a safe one for children:

Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off. Slingshots and even water guns are dangerous because they invite children to target other kids. BB guns should not even be considered toys.

Inspect toys for sturdiness. Your child’s toys should be durable with no sharp edges or points. The toys should also withstand impact.

Look for the letters “ASTM.” This means the product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Don’t give toys with small parts to young children. Young kids tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking.

Read directions carefully and follow suggested age levels. Ask yourself if the toy is right for your child’s ability and age.

· Repair or throw away damaged toys.

· Keep toys meant for older children away from younger ones.

· Make a list of safety rules and share them with your child. If your child is playing with friends, tell everyone your safety rules.

· Remain aware of recalled products. For further information on toy and product recalls, visit the U.S. Product Safety Commission Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

For more information on safe toys and gifts, please visit www.preventblindness.org or call 1-800-331-2020.

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