Preventing Toy-Related Eye Injuries in Children

Toy-related eye injuries in children frequently happen if you leave them unattended and play toys meant for older children. Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry, a reliable optometrist clinic in your area, lists the best ways to prevent this from happening.

What Are the Risks of Toy-Related Eye Injuries in Children?

There are several risks associated with toy-related eye injuries in children. Some of the most common ones include:

• Bleeding inside the eye
• Swelling of the eye and/or surrounding tissues
• Bruising of the eye and/or surrounding tissues
• Damage to the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye)
• Damage to the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye)

How Can I Prevent Toy-Related Eye Injuries in Children?

Fortunately, there are several things you can do as a parent to help prevent injuries and provide optimal eye care. Some of the most important ones include the following:

• Inspecting all toys before allowing your child to play with them. This includes looking for sharp or pointy edges and any small parts that could become detached and potentially cause an injury.

• Avoiding toys that shoot projectiles, such as BB guns and Nerf guns. If you allow your child to play with such toys, ensure they are always supervised and wearing protective eyewear (such as goggles).

• Not allowing your child to play with laser pointers. The light from these devices can be extremely harmful to the eyes if looked at directly.

What Can I Do if My Child Sustains a Toy-Related Eye Injury?

If your child does sustain a toy-related eye injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. This will help ensure that the injury is properly treated and that your child’s vision is not permanently damaged. You’ll also want to schedule an appointment with your child’s optometrist to ensure there is no lasting damage to their vision. 

Have an expert see your child who has suffered an eye injury. Set an appointment with one of our experienced pediatric optometrists and LASIK eye surgery experts at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry today. Fill out our contact form or call us at the following numbers: (703) 660-9494 (Alexandria), (703) 413-1400 (Crystal City), (703) 522-7676 (Clarendon), (703) 573-1200 (Falls Church) and (703) 467-9080 (Reston). We proudly serve patients in Alexandria, VA.