The holiday season is a time filled with joy, laughter, and the exchange of gifts, particularly for families with young children. However, amidst the excitement, it's essential to be mindful of the toys and decorations that fill our homes during this festive time. Selecting the right toys is not just about choosing the most popular or entertaining ones but ensuring they are safe and won't pose hazards, especially to children's eyes.

Everette & Hurite Eyecare Specialists, located in Pittsburgh, PA, is your go-to expert for comprehensive eye care, committed to keeping your family's vision healthy and safe. As a leading provider of eye care services, we offer personalized advice on protecting your eyes during the holiday season and beyond. Schedule an appointment today to learn more.

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By taking a few precautions and making informed choices, you can ensure that this festive season remains a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Common Eye Injuries During the Holidays

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that over 200,000 toy-related injuries are treated in the emergency room, and 76 % of these injuries are sustained by children 14 years of age or younger.

At Everett & Hurite, we have seen firsthand the impact of these types of accidents on children's eyes. Some common childhood eye injuries that occur during the holidays include:

Corneal abrasions: These are scratches on the surface of the eye caused by foreign objects like loose toys or jewelry pieces.
Chemical burns: Exposure to harmful chemicals in certain toys or decorations can cause severe damage to the eye.
Traumatic cataracts: Blunt force trauma from toys or other objects can lead to a clouding of the eye's lens, causing vision impairment.
Retinal detachment: Forceful impact on the head or face can lead to severe retinal damage or a separation of the retina from the back of the eye, resulting in vision loss if not treated promptly.

Tips for Choosing Safe Toys & Decorations

To ensure your family's safety this holiday season, consider these tips when selecting toys and decorations:

Toy Safety

Check the age recommendations: Be sure to select gifts that are appropriate for the child's age, as they are designed with safety in mind and are less likely to cause harm.
Avoid sharp or pointed objects: These can easily cause eye injuries, especially for young children who may poke or throw them.
Be cautious of projectile toys: Nerf guns, slingshots, and other projectile toys can cause serious eye damage if not used properly.
Inspect for small parts: Small pieces that can be removed from a toy pose a choking hazard and can also get lodged in the eye.
Choose non-toxic materials: Avoid toys made with harmful chemicals that could potentially come into contact with the eyes during playtime.

Decoration Safety

Use shatterproof ornaments: Fragile glass decorations can easily break, sending sharp pieces flying and causing eye injuries.
Keep candles at a safe distance: Place lit candles away from reach or use flameless alternatives to avoid the risk of burns or fires.
Be cautious with holiday plants: Some plants, such as holly and mistletoe, can be poisonous if ingested and may also cause eye irritation.
Avoid hanging decorations by lights: Tugging on strings of lights can loosen them from their sockets, increasing the risk of electrical shock or sparks that could harm the eyes.
Read labels for safety warnings: Always follow safety instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer when using holiday decorations.

Additional Tips

In addition to choosing safe toys and decorations, here are some general tips for celebrating safely this holiday season:

Keep a first aid kit handy and know how to use it in case of an eye injury.
Wear protective eyewear when participating in activities such as fireworks or snowball fights.
If using firecrackers, make sure to read the instructions carefully and follow all safety precautions.
Never point high-powered laser pointers or fireworks toward someone's face or eyes.
Make sure tree decorations are securely placed and out of reach from young children.
Ensure that toys designed for older children are kept out of reach of younger children.
Supervise children when playing to avoid accidents and serious eye injuries.

Protect Your Eyes This Holiday Season with Everett & Hurite

Keeping your family's eyes safe during the holiday season involves careful toy and decoration choices to prevent eye injuries. Everett & Hurite is your trusted partner in ensuring eye health through thoughtful guidance and professional care.

Trust us with your vision health.Schedule an appointment today to benefit from our expert eye care services, and let us help you celebrate the holidays safely.