• Knowledgebase: Child Safety, Injury Prevention and Treatment

    Questions about child safety and injury prevention, as well as treatment for minor injuries.

    42. Preventing Eye Injuries - Top

    The right toy can help children develop imagination and coordination. But the wrong toy can do more harm than good. PREVENT BLINDNESS AMERICA reports that in 1998, there were more than 24,000 eye injuries to children 14 years and younger that were associated with toys and sporting equipment. Ninety percent of these injuries were preventable. While many toy manufacturers follow mandatory and voluntary safety guidelines for their products, several do not. Your challenge is to find a toy your child will love and one that you know is safe. How do you select a safe toy? PREVENT BLINDNESS offers these tips:

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

    Inspect toys for sound construction. Products given to young children should be made of durable materials with no sharp edges or points. The toys should also withstand impact.

    Avoid giving toys with small points to young children. These youngsters tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking.

    Read instructions carefully and follow suggested age levels. Is the toy appropriate for the child’s ability and age? Age labeling is provided not just for developmental reasons, but for safety as well.

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

    Once you’ve purchased that special gift, keep the child’s safety in mind and:

    Explain how to use the toy.
    Repair or throw away damaged toys.
    Keep toys intended for older children away from younger ones.
    Don’t let the child misuse toys in ways that could be dangerous.
    Store or give away toys that a child has outgrown.

    Harmful toys are not the only cause of injuries. Children who play in unsafe areas in the home increase their risk of accidents. Make sure the child plays in an open area, and if appropriate, under your supervision. Make a list of safety rules and share them with your child. If a youngster is playing with friends, remind everyone of your safety rules.

    For more on children’s eye safety, write PREVENT BLINDNESS AMERICA®, 500 East Remington Road, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 800/331-2020 or visit, www.preventblindness.org .
    - Updated: March 8, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP