Optometrists Urge Parents To Consider Eye Risks This Holiday Season

SASKATOON – As parents shop for their children’s gifts this year, the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists (SAO) reminds them to think about the risks – some of which are far less obvious than others – that the holiday season poses to eyes and vision.

“Clearly, some toys are a lot more dangerous than others,” explains SAO (Past) President Dr Dorothy Barrie. “But even less obviously-dangerous items can cause problems when they are operated by excited kids who may not take the time to heed instructions.”

According to SAO, parents should avoid purchasing cheaply-made or poorly-designed toys with sharp, pointed, or rough edges, or any toys with arrows, bullets, or missiles. “No matter how soft-tipped they might appear to be, any projectile can hit the eye with enough velocity to cause a serious or even permanent eye injury,” explains Dr Barrie, who notes that many of these toys can project objects up to 15 meters at speeds up to 50 km per hour.

SAO suggests that parents make eye protection part of any gift that could pose eye injuries. “If it’s a chemistry set, workshop tools, a toboggan or other sports equipment, include some cool-looking CSA-approved protective goggles,” suggests Dr Barrie.

According to SAO, educating children about the proper use of the toys or equipment and supervising them until parents are confident they understand and comply are other key points in the battle against potential eye injuries. Dr Barrie points out that parents should ensure that items are age-appropriate. “The possibility of the toy or equipment being used incorrectly increases if the child isn’t mature enough to use it properly,” she says.

The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists represents all practicing optometrists throughout the province.