Eye M.D.s Offer Tips for Safe Toy Selection

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American Academy of Ophthalmology

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According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Council, more than 120,000 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries during 1998. To prevent eye injuries, the Academy offers these tips for choosing safe toys:

• Select only toys and gifts that are appropriate for the child's age and maturity level.

• Avoid toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts.

• Check labels for American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) approval to be sure toys meet national safety standards.

• Consider carefully before giving BB, paint or pellet guns or air-powered rifles as gifts. They are classified as firearms and should not be considered toys. Darts, as well as bows and arrows, can also be dangerous.

• Don't forget that participating in sports such as basketball, baseball, football and hockey can cause serious eye injuries. If giving sports equipment, make sure to include the appropriate protective headgear such as helmets, facemasks or goggles with polycarbonate lenses.

The seriousness of an eye injury may not be immediately obvious. When an injury does occur, it's best to have an ophthalmologist -- an Eye M.D. -- examine the eye as soon as possible.

For more information about eye health and safety, visit the Academy's website at www.eyenet.org. For more information about toy safety, visit the Consumer Product Safety Council's website at www.cpsc.gov.

Dec. 2, 1999