December is a season of joy, but it’s also a critical time to prioritize safety. With the holidays in full swing and celebrations around the corner, parents and guardians must remain vigilant about protecting children’s eyes and overall well-being. In observance of Safe Toys and Celebrations Month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is spreading awareness about the hidden risks some popular toys and festive activities pose to eye health.
The Hidden Dangers of Holiday Gifts
Toys should bring smiles, not injuries, yet approximately 1 in 10 children’s eye injuries treated in emergency rooms are linked to toys. Many of these injuries occur during the holiday season when children receive new and exciting gifts.
“One of the highlights of the holiday season is watching our children and/or grandchildren open their gifts. Although clothes are needed and appreciated, toys are almost always preferred by kids. Some of these toys, however, can result in serious injury to the eyes,” says Mark Rallo, MD.
Mark Rallo, OD
Instructor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Director of Pediatric Optometry
- Email: rallo@nospam.wustl.edu
Dr. Rallo emphasizes the importance of being cautious with:
- Toys with projectile parts: Items such as Nerf, Airsoft, and paintball guns can cause injuries like corneal abrasion, inflammation (iritis), retinal detachment, and hyphema (ocular bleed). Protective eyewear and adult supervision are the best ways to avoid such accidents.
- Plastic packaging hazards: Children often use scissors or knives to open toy packages, which can lead to serious eye injuries. Adult assistance is a must.
- Holiday trees: Whether real or artificial, bending over to admire ornaments or toys near the tree can inadvertently result in eye abrasions or lacerations.
Opening Champagne: A Celebration Caution
New Year’s Eve brings its own set of risks, particularly with the tradition of opening champagne bottles. The AAO highlights that improperly popping a champagne cork can lead to eye trauma, retinal detachment, or even rupture of the eyeball.
“The cork from a champagne bottle can travel at approximately 50 miles per hour. Such a high-velocity object can result in severe eye injuries and vision loss,” says Dr. Rallo. “It is imperative that the bottle be opened in a proper manner and pointed away from people to avoid an unfortunate accident.”
Here are some tips to safely open champagne:
- Chill the bottle: Ensure champagne is at 45°F or colder. This reduces the pressure behind the cork.
- Use a towel: Cover the cork with a towel to prevent it from flying off uncontrollably.
- Point away from people: Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, ensuring it faces away from yourself and others.
- Gently twist: Avoid shaking the bottle and twist the cork slowly until it releases with minimal force.
A Season of Safety
This holiday season, let’s make safety a priority. Choosing the right toys and taking precautions during celebrations can prevent avoidable injuries and keep the focus on family, friends, and fun.
Have a safe and joyful holiday season!