SEIU District 1199 New Connections Network

The holiday season is the time to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, it is also a time for eye injuries from unsafe toys and other holiday-related activities. That's why the American Academy of Ophthalmology is promoting Safe Toys and Celebrations Month in December.

Toys for Girls and Boys
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 210,000 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms in 2005. About 6,000 of those were injuries to the eyes of children under age 15.

Children receive all sorts of potentially unsafe presents during the holidays, including BB guns, darts and sports equipment.

"While it can be difficult to resist a child's pleading for certain toys, sometimes you must for their safety," said Andrew Iwach, MD, Academy spokesperson. "Every year ophthalmologists treat the devastating injuries that seemingly safe toys can cause.

" Dr. Iwach said parents should check toy labels for age recommendations and select gifts that are appropriate for a child's age and maturity.

"Avoid purchasing toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts," he said. "It is essential to make sure children have appropriate supervision when playing with potentially hazardous toys or games that could cause injury."

Be a Good Sport
Sports-related eye injuries are common and can cause permanent vision loss, accounting for about 40,000 eye injuries annually.

Without proper eye protection, participating in sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball, football and hockey (as well as water and racquet sports), can lead to serious eye injuries.

"If you plan to give sports equipment, include the appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, facemasks or goggles with polycarbonate lenses" Dr. Iwach said. "Your Eye M.D. can recommend protective eyewear appropriate for each sport."

Oh, Christmas Tree
Christmas trees are festive and for millions of Americans embody the spirit of the holidays. However, there are hidden dangers amongst the twinkling lights, fragrant branches and presents.

"Branches and needles can be hazardous to the eyes, so be especially careful when untying your tree," said Dr. Iwach. "The branches can burst forward, hitting and injuring your eyes. Glass ornaments should be hung out of a child's reach to avoid potential injury."

Healthy bottle opening tips
For most, the countdown on New Year's Eve is a raucously good time. For others, it is the final few seconds of healthy eyesight.

Incorrect popping of champagne corks is one of the most common holiday-related eye hazards, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Eye M.D. Association.

"It's a sobering thought, but many revelers forget that popping the cork on a bottle of champagne is a dangerous activity if done incorrectly," said Andrew Iwach, M.D. "Every year, warm bottles of champagne, coupled with bad cork-removal technique, are responsible for causing serious, blinding injuries."

Healthy bottle opening tips include:

-- Be aware that a recently shaken bottle increases the risk of eye injury.

-- Make sure sparkling wine is chilled to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit before opening. The cork of a warm bottle is more likely to pop unexpectedly.

-- Hold down the cork with the palm of your hand while removing the wire hood. Point the bottle away from yourself and others at a 45-degree angle.

-- Place a towel over the entire top and grasp the cork, slowly and firmly twisting it to break the seal.

-- Keep the bottle at a 45-degree angle, hold it firmly with one hand and use the other hand to slowly turn the cork with a slight upward pull. Continue until the cork is almost out of the neck. Counter the force of the cork using slight downward pressure just as the cork breaks free from the bottle.

"By following a few simple safety tips, you can make sure your holidays are festive and injury free," said Dr. Iwach.


The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons: http://www.aao.org/.