December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports 231,700 ER visits due to toy-related injuries; the majority are to head and face, eyes. Toys that can injure a child’s eyes include:
- Projectile-firing toys
Toys that shoot plastic pellets, foam darts, plastic arrows, or water can cause serious eye damage, including corneal abrasions, hyphema, and vision loss. - Pointy objects
Toys like swords, wands, sabers, fishing poles, and bayonets can poke or scratch the eye, which can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. - Aerosol string
The chemicals in aerosol string can cause eye irritation, chemical conjunctivitis (pink eye), and corneal abrasions. - Bright flashlights and laser pointers
The light intensity of these devices can cause temporary or permanent vision loss. - Sporting equipment
If buying sporting equipment, make sure it is age and size appropriate and includes proper eye safety gear.
When choosing toys for children, you can consider the following:
- Age and development level: Most toys offer an age range for guidance.
- Safety tips: Avoid toys with shooting parts, pointed ends, or parts that could fly off.
- Special needs: If shopping for infants and children with special needs, look for toys that appeal to the senses
For more information about safe toys, read:
- Toys That Pose the Highest Risk for Eye Safety
- Eye Injuries: Are All Toys Safe for Children?
- Avoid these toys in 2025 to prevent kids’ eye injuries
