For comprehensive vision and eye care (including diabetic eye evaluations)
in
Big Rapids, see
Patient
Care at MCO
For Diabetic Eye Health Evaluations in
Grand Rapids, see
The Diabetic Eye Clinic
at St. Mary's Mercy Medical Center.
An affiliation between
the Michigan College of Optometry and
the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology |
Toys
for Vision Development and
Toy Safety for the Holidays
December is a fun and
exciting month for children of all ages. The students, faculty and
staff of the Michigan College of Optometry and the University Eye
Center wish all of our patients, patient families and the Big Rapids
area community a happy and healthy holiday season.
As children anticipate a visit from Santa Claus and prepare their
lists, parents should also take a moment to consider the best toys
for children. We recommend the following resources to aid in toy
selection.
Prevent eye and other
injuries by selecting appropriate toys.
PREVENT BLINDNESS
AMERICA – Has been the nation's leading volunteer
eye health and safety organization with the sole mission of preventing
blindness and preserving sight since 1908. Each year thousands
of toy related eye injuries are reported, and even more go unreported.
Prevent Blindness America suggest:
- Inspect
toys for safe construction. Products given to young children
should be made of durable plastic or wood with no sharp edges
or points. The toys should be able to withstand impact. Avoid
purchasing toys for young children with small parts, as they
tend to put items in their mouths, increasing their risk of
choking.
- Check
your children’s toys regularly for broken parts. Throw
broken toys out immediately if they cannot be safely repaired.
Older kids often alter their toys and misuse them, making them
unsafe. It is better to be vigilant, even with older kids, so
that serious eye injuries can be prevented.
- Read
the instructions and the suggested age level on the packaging.
Assess whether the item is appropriate for the child’s
ability and age. Age labeling is provided not just for developmental
reasons, but for safety reasons as well.
- Look
for the symbol ASTM F963. This indicates the product meets the
national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing
and Materials (ASTM).
- Make
recommendations to family members and friends about gifts that
you feel are appropriate for your child.
- Remain
aware of recalled products. Large toy retailers post regular
notices of recalled toys usually at the front of their stores.
Take recalled products back to the store where they were purchased
for a full refund. For further information on toy and product
recalls, visit the U.S. Product Safety Commission website at
www.cpsc.gov.
- Remove
hazards in the car. As many families will be traveling by car
this holiday season, make sure children are properly secured
in baby carriers and child safety seats, and the seat and shoulder
belts fit well. Children age 12 and younger should never ride
in the front seat. And remember to store loose items in the
trunk or secure them on the floor as any loose object can become
a missile in a crash.
For more information
in both English and Spanish on safe toys and gifts or to order
the new “Play It Safe with Your Eyes!” DVD, click
here or call 1-800-331-2020.
The U.S. CONSUMER
PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION - is charged with protecting
the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death
and has produced a list of Top Holiday Safety Tips.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07032.html
Enhance Children's Vision
by Selecting Appropriate Toys
The AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION – represents
the more than 34,000 optometrists across the nation and has developed
a list of suggestions for selecting toys that will not only be
safe, but will help promote children’s visual development.
Explanations for how toys and games can help children develop
and suggestions for developing vision at playtime and toy-buying
tips can be found at…
http://www.aoa.org/x5336.xml
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