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Oklahoma Parents Can Prevent Holiday Tragedies with Safe Toys and Celebrations

"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. And 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 - including some seemingly innocent ones - and 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 promoting Safe Toys and Celebrations Month and urging Americans to purchase safe toys and gifts this holiday season and all year long.

"Every year ophthalmologists see the devastating injuries that seemingly safe toys can cause," said Dr. Amalia Miranda, an ophthalmologist inOklahoma City and President of the Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology. "By getting the word out, we hope to save your child from needless suffering."

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 are not appropriate for most children.

If you're giving sporting equipment, consider including appropriate protective eyewear. Approximately 40,000 sports-related eye injuries occur every year, but 90 percent of these injuries could be 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 covered by a towel and are pointed away from you and others, as well as making sure the champagne is chilled to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit before opening. Every year, warm bottles of champagne, coupled with bad cork-removal 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.

About the Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology

The OAO is a member organization of nearly 100 Oklahoma ophthalmologists which was founded to promote the science and art of medical eye care. Eye healthcare is provided by three sources - opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. It is the ophthalmologist, or Eye M.D., who can treat all eye diseases and injuries, and perform eye surgery. To find an Eye M.D. in your area, visit the OAO's Web site at www.OklahomaEyes.org.

SOURCE Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology