Prevent Holiday Tragedies With Safe Toys and Celebrations

In the much-loved movie "A Christmas Story", Ralphie sets out to convince the world that a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect gift.

"You'll shoot your eye out!" was the response he got from his parents, teacher and even Santa Claus. It's one of the more hilarious and memorable quotes from this Christmas classic because we've all heard it repeatedly during our childhood. But unfortunately, it comes true for too many people.

It's hard to resist giving into your child's overwhelming desire for his or her most wished for gift, especially during the holiday season, but sometimes you have to for their safety.

Toys - some seemingly innocent ones - sporting equipment are responsible for thousands of eye injuries to children every year. That's why Eye M.D.s all over the country are celebrating Safe Toys and Celebrations Month and urging Americans to purchase safe toys and gifts this year.

When shopping for toys, check labels to make sure they are age and maturity level appropriate, pass on games or toys with sharp or protruding parts or projectiles and consider carefully before giving darts, pellet guns or other firearms. These items may not be appropriate for some children.

If you're giving sporting equipment, consider including appropriate protective eyewear. Approximately 42,000 sports-related eye injuries occur every year. But, 90 percent of these injuries could have been avoided with the right protective eyewear.

Lastly, before you open a bottle of your favorite bubbly to toast the holidays, learn how to do it safely. Make sure corks are pointed away from you and others, as well as making sure your champagne is chilled to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit before opening. Every year, warm bottles of champagne, coupled with bad technique are responsible for causing serious, blinding injuries.

By following a few simple safety tips, you can make sure your holidays are festive and injury free.

Happy Holidays!

Patient Information Handout