INDIANAPOLIS – Set in an Indiana town, the movie “A Christmas Story” centers around little Ralphie’s wish for an air gun for Christmas. He was warned, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” But experts say there are many gifts that should also come with warnings.
Each year in the United States, thousands of accidents each year involving children and toys result in eye injuries and even blindness.
Optometrist Jessica Schara said some of the more dangerous toys include “BB guns, paint guns, slingshots, darts – anything that’s a projectile. But even things like chemistry sets, woodworking sets, crafts that involve scissors and glue can also be dangerous.”
Schara also said parents need to heed the age recommendations of toy manufacturers and teach their kids about safe use.
One common toy-related eye injury is a corneal abrasion, but Schara said she also has treated kids with more serious trauma, including orbital bone fractures and detached retinas.
“What’s important for everybody to know is, if there is any sort of eye injury, you really should seek the advice of an eye-care practitioner,” she said, “because sometimes there are things that aren’t visible deep inside the eye that might be going on, that could potentially lead to vision loss.”
Toys that could do physical harm to a child’s eyes, however, are not the only danger to vision that may come wrapped up under the tree. Schara pointed to all those tech gadgets and screen time.
“Blue light from things like tablets, smart phones, computers and even the TVs can cause computer vision eye strain.”
For kids and adults who have long periods of screen time, one recommendation is to follow the 20-20-20 rule: taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes, and viewing something 20 feet away.
Mary Kuhlman
