Promoting Safe Holidays: Essential Tips for Preventing Toy-Related Eye Injuries During Gift-Giving Season

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month

As the holiday season unfolds, the tradition of gift-giving and holiday shopping thrives. Yet, amidst the festive cheer lies an often-overlooked concern—potential harm and accidents resulting from unsafe or age-inappropriate toys or gifts. Shockingly, the Department of Health and Human Services estimates that over 217,000 children require emergency room treatment annually due to injuries related to toys. Among these injuries, eye-related incidents, sometimes leading to blindness, are distressingly common. Hence, December marks National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, an essential initiative coinciding with the peak gift shopping time to ensure safety in toy selection. To actively contribute to the safety of our precious keiki, this year we are sharing our “Safe Toys Checklist” and invaluable toy safety tips, ensuring cherished moments with loved ones rather than hospital visits this holiday season.

When holiday shopping this year, keep these guidelines in mind to prevent toy-related eye injuries:
• Thoroughly inspect toys for secure and durable construction.
• Read labels and warnings diligently to steer clear of potentially hazardous products.
• Avoid purchasing toys that propel projectiles such as children’s crossbows, BB guns, etc.
• Ensure the toy aligns with the recipient’s age and developmental stage.
• Refrain from buying toys with sharp edges, spikes, or rigid rods.
• When necessary, provide appropriate eye protection along with the gift (especially applicable to sports toys, scientific or artistic crafts).
• Avoid fragile toys prone to shattering into small, hazardous pieces.
• Look for the “ASTM” label on toys, signifying certification by the American Society for Testing and Materials and adherence to national safety standards.

In addition to adhering to these guidelines during gift shopping or toy-sharing, we strongly advocate for explaining proper toy usage when gifting or lending. Moreover, segregating toys meant for older children from younger ones, despite potential protestations, is crucial. Most importantly, vigilant supervision during playtime and craft activities is paramount. This proactive measure significantly reduces the likelihood of toy-related accidents and ensures our children’s safety.

Let this holiday season be one filled with heartwarming memories and cherished moments with loved ones, not hospital visits. With conscientious gift shopping and vigilant supervision, toy-related eye injuries are preventable and easily avoidable. Dr. Steven Rhee of Hawaiian Eye Center emphasizes, “From the entire Hawaiian Eye ohana and myself, we extend warm wishes for a cheerful and safe holiday season. Mele Kalikimaka!”