Gift-giving is one of the best ways to convey the spirit of the season. As the gift-giver, it would be beneficial to you and your child to consider eye safety when picking out gifts for Christmas. In observance of Safe Toys and Gifts Month, your TBI concussion and vision experts from NeuroVisual Specialists of Florida and iSee VisionCare gives tips on how to choose eye-friendly gifts to give your children this Christmas.
For Children Under the Age of 3
Around 250,000 children under the age of 15 are rushed to hospitals yearly for toy-related injuries. Avoid this problem by choosing toys that don’t have sharp edges or parts, and are sturdy enough to withstand impact without breaking into smaller, jagged pieces. As much as possible, stick to stuffed toys or toys with soft materials such as plushies and the like. Make sure these items aren’t choking hazards. Lastly, be wary of anything that might cause injury, especially to the eyes.
Consider Educational Materials
If your children are already starting school or at least have a basic understanding of shapes, letters, and numbers, consider giving them educational materials as gifts. It’s important to engage their learning faculties early on and to foster a willingness to learn, thus reducing the problems they’ll encounter later on in life. Give them picture books with large and colorful texts. Don’t hesitate to consult a professional eye doctor should your child complain of lightheadedness when perusing the materials.
Choose Appropriately
Choose your gifts according to your child’s age, maturity, and ability. If necessary, show him or her how to play with the toys safely. Try to be around come playtime so you can supervise. Lastly, look for the label that indicates the toy has passed the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.
NeuroVisual Specialists of Florida and iSee VisionCare provides a full range of eye care all year round. Our eye doctors can treat binocular vision dysfunction and other conditions. You may contact us at (561) 733-9008. We work with patients in Boynton Beach, FL.
Dr. Erin Sonneberg
Dr. Erin Sonneberg, OD, received her Doctor of Optometry degree from New England School of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts in 2004. She completed her undergraduate studies at City University of New York, Queens College in 2000, where she graduated with honors in business. Dr. Sonneberg relocated to Boynton Beach, Florida, in 2006, and has been practicing alongside prestigious ophthalmologists in the area since that time.
