December brings the joy of holidays, the excitement of gifts, and the celebration of New Year’s Eve. It’s also Safe Toys and Celebrations Month, an important reminder to prioritize safety amid our festive activities, especially for children. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 1 in 10 children’s eye injuries that lead to emergency room visits are caused by toys. This statistic highlights the crucial need for careful toy selection and safe celebration practices.
Choose Safe Toys: Protect Your Children’s Eyes
The allure of the holidays can often lead to the purchase of exciting toys that may not always be safe. Projectile toys, such as crossbows, BB guns, and other items that launch objects, pose a significant risk for eye injuries. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose safer toys this holiday season:
- Avoid toys that shoot objects: Anything that launches items can potentially harm the eyes. Opt for toys that encourage learning and creativity without the risk.
- Select age-appropriate toys: Toys are labeled with age recommendations for a reason. Adhere to these guidelines to ensure that the toys match your child’s development level and decrease the risk of accidents.
- Be cautious with sports equipment: If you gift sports gear, pair it with protective eyewear. Safety glasses can prevent many sports-related eye injuries.
- Educate about safe play: Discuss the importance of safe play with your children. Make sure they understand how to use their toys properly to avoid accidents.
Safe Celebrations: Keep the New Year’s Eve Toast Trouble-Free
New Year’s Eve is synonymous with champagne celebrations. However, popping a champagne cork can lead to serious eye injuries. The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises a few simple steps to safely open champagne and keep the festivities injury-free:
- Chill the champagne: Champagne should be chilled to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. A warm bottle is more likely to pop unexpectedly.
- Don’t shake the bottle: Shaking increases the speed at which the cork leaves the bottle, thereby increasing the potential for injury.
- Cover the cork with a towel: This helps control a flying cork and prevents it from shooting out suddenly.
- Point the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and others: This ensures that if the cork does fly, it won’t be directed at anyone’s face.
The Gift of Safety
As we select gifts and plan celebrations, incorporating eye safety into our decisions can prevent accidents and ensure that everyone enjoys a safe holiday season. At Newsom Eye, we encourage everyone to consider the safety of the products they buy and the way they celebrate during this festive time.
We wish you a joyful and safe holiday season. For more tips on eye safety and vision health, visit Newsom Eye at any of our Florida locations, including Tampa, Sebring, Carrollwood, South Tampa, Clearwater, Brooksville, and Gainesville.
