Despite easy prevention techniques, roughly 2.4 million eye injuries occur every year in the United States alone. To commemorate Child Safety Protection Month this November, we’ve compiled a list of ways you can protect your children’s eyes and vision.
Keep Potentially Dangerous Items Out Of Reach
Even everyday household objects can be the cause of eye injuries. Keep the following items out of the reach of small children:
- Eyelash curlers
- Cosmetic applicators
- Home and garden tools
- Bungee cords
- Toys with sharp edges
- Household cleaners and chemicals
Know What Toys to Avoid
Refer to age recommendations on the packaging of games and toys before making purchases, advises All About Vision. Manufacturers have good reason for the ages they suggest. Toys that shoot projectiles are dangerous for children at any age. Children under six should never be allowed to play with these toys, while older children should be supervised at all times.
Use Protective Eyewear When Playing Sports
According to Prevent Blindness America, there are 400,000 sports-related eye injuries in the U.S. every year, 90 percent of which could have been prevented through protective eyewear. Kids playing any of the following sports should always use eye protection:
- Baseball and softball
- Basketball
- Lacrosse
- Field, street, and ice hockey
- Soccer
- Racquet sports
Purchase Eyewear with Protective Features
For sports and activities where small fragments could come into contact with eyes, safety glasses should feature impact-resistant lenses, preferably made from a material like polycarbonate, recommends All About Vision. Kids that are playing sports outdoors also need UV protection.
Let Your Kids Choose
Your kids are more likely to wear their sunglasses or protective eyewear if you let them choose a style they actually like.
Keep your children safe from the sun and prevent eye injuries with a pair of protective sunglasses from Real Kids. All our shades feature 100 percent UV protection and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses. Check out our collection of sunglasses to find a pair for your child today.