Toddlers' and Children's Eyes

Despite all of the things parents do to keep their children safe at home, on the playground and in the car, accidents can happen—and thousands of children visit emergency rooms and doctors’ offices with eye injuries every year.

What causes children’s eye injuries?

Most incidents involving the eyes come from a handful of common causes:

• Toys that are used inappropriately
• Falling into an object—tumbling off a bed or other furniture, or falling down stairs
• Using tools and other objects incorrectly—running with scissors, pencils or other sharp objects and instruments
• Aerosols or other chemicals—all-purpose cleaners, detergents, disinfectants, glue or paint, perfumes and cosmetics, or many other substances not appropriate for children
• Car accidents when children are not riding in car seats

If you would like more information, Prevent Blindness America provides an excellent checklist for keeping your children—and yourself— safe from eye injuries at home. 

Demonstrate safe behavior for your children

Imitation is the highest form of flattery and children learn by copying.  You can help your child learn healthy habits by demonstrating the right behavior for safe play and work:

• Wear safety goggles when you work with chemicals and other hazardous materials.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses to shield your eyes on bright, sunny days, or when snow or ice gleam in the sunlight.
• Use goggles when you play sports like racquetball, basketball, tennis, soccer and paddle ball, and insist your child to do the same.
• Wash your hands often and keep your hands away from your eyes and nose.  This helps keep particles of grit or sand from making contact with your eyes, and more importantly, prohibits the spread of colds and other viruses.
• If you use sparklers or fireworks, follow the guidelines for safe use presented by the National Council on Fireworks Safety.