Vision & Age

Safety

Here are the cold facts

The statistics are clear: Over 290,000 eye injuries occur annually¹ Half the victims are under 25. Ten percent are children under five. Ninety percent of these injuries could have been prevented.¹

Play it safe

 Here's what you can do to keep your child safe.

  1. Remember the adage "Don't run with scissors." It is well founded. In fact any pointed item--including many that seem innocent--can cause serious injury. So be sure to provide adequate supervision when your child is handling them.
  2. Don't allow your child to play with projectile toys, such as darts, bows and arrows, pellet, or BB guns, or fireworks (even sparklers).
  3. Keep all chemicals--including cleaning products, paints, pesticides, and glues--out of reach.
  4. Don't allow children to play in the yard when a lawnmower is being operated. Stones and debris thrown from moving blades can cause severe eye injuries.
  5. Set a good example for your child. Wear protective eye gear while using power tools and playing sports.

 

Protective Measures

Adding a layer of protective eyewear is a great way to prevent injuries. Sports goggles with shatterproof plastic lenses and side shields should be worn for

  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Basketball
  • Soccer

See the Insight

Sunshine keeps kids blooming--but it can be tough on their eyes. Make sure your child wears sunglasses and a hat whenever they are outdoors.

 

¹ Prevent Blindness America Web site www.preventblindness.org/children/safetos.jsp on 8/18/99
² American Academy of Ophthalmology Web site www.eyenet.org/public/pi/eye_health/safety/safety_faq.jsp on 8/18/99