Why Children’s Toy Safety Matters for Eye Health

Kids explore their world with curiosity and energy, which is one reason toy-related eye injuries happen more often than many parents realize. A toy does not have to look dangerous to cause harm. Fast-moving parts, sharp corners, hard surfaces, or tiny pieces can all put a child’s eyes at risk. These accidents can lead to scratches on the surface of the eye (corneal abrasions), bruising around the eye, cuts on the eyelids, or irritation and infection.

During the holidays and other busy times of year, many families see a sudden influx of new toys. Children are excited, schedules are packed, and playtime may be more energetic and less supervised than usual. Together, these factors create a setting where accidental eye injuries are more likely. By keeping toy safety in mind during Safe Toy Awareness Month and throughout the year, parents and caregivers can help reduce the risk of eye injuries and make sure kids enjoy their new toys safely.

Choosing Safe Toys for Children

Choosing safer toys is one of the simplest ways to protect your child’s vision. The goal is not to limit creativity or fun, but to avoid toys that are more likely to poke, scratch, or strike the eyes. Use the tips below as a quick guide when shopping in stores or online.

Make Sure They’re Age-Appropriate

Select toys that fit your child’s age and developmental stage. Age recommendations on toy packaging are there to help ensure that the size, design, and features are a good match for a child’s abilities and understanding. Follow these guidelines carefully, especially for kids under 6. Toys intended for older children may include small pieces, fast-moving mechanisms, or heavier materials that are not safe for younger kids.

Take a moment to review the safety information on the box. Look for warnings about projectiles, small components, or chemicals. If a toy package includes several caution labels, it may not be the best choice for younger or very active children.

Be Careful with Small Parts

Toys with small, detachable, or loose pieces can be choking hazards for toddlers and preschoolers. Make sure all parts are larger than a young child’s mouth to lower the risk of accidental swallowing. Inspect accessories like tiny shoes, hats, or clip-on pieces for dolls and action figures—if they pop off easily, the toy may not be appropriate for very young children.

Small parts can also end up in or near the eyes, causing discomfort or injury. In some cases, a tiny piece can even become lodged in the eye area. Regularly check toys for wear and tear, such as loose joints, cracked plastic, or pieces that wobble more than they used to. If a toy is starting to break down, it is time to repair it properly or retire it from play.

Choose Durable, Well-Made Toys

Toys that crack, chip, or snap under normal use can quickly become hazardous. Lower-quality materials may break into sharp fragments that could injure a child’s eyes. Look for toys made from sturdy, shatter-resistant materials, and avoid items that feel flimsy, bend sharply when pulled, or have joints that seem likely to break.

For ride-on toys, sports gear, and other active play items, choose solid, reliable construction that can withstand everyday use without falling apart. Stronger toys are more likely to hold up—and less likely to create unexpected sharp edges or flying pieces.

Inspect for Sharp Edges

Some toys appear safe at first glance but have rough seams, sharp corners, or small protrusions that could scratch or poke a child’s eye. Run your hand along the toy’s edges and surfaces to feel for anything that seems jagged, pointed, or raised. If something feels harsh or sharp to the touch, it is safer to choose a different option.

Avoid toys with exposed metal edges, thin wires, or narrow rods that could bend and jab during play. Even a small, stiff piece of plastic or wire can cause a serious eye injury if it makes contact with the eye at the wrong angle.

Avoid Toys with Projectiles

Toys that shoot, launch, or fire objects are especially risky for a child’s eyes. Even “soft” foam darts, balls, or pellets can cause serious injury if they hit the eye at close range or high speed. Whenever possible, skip projectile toys altogether, particularly for younger children.

If you do allow these types of toys in your home, close supervision is essential. Consider protective eyewear and set clear ground rules: no aiming at faces or eyes, no shooting at close distances, and no rough play in tight or crowded spaces. These simple precautions can make a big difference in protecting your child’s vision while they play.

How to Facilitate Safe Play at Every Age

Choosing safer toys is an important first step, but how children play with those toys matters just as much. Teaching age-appropriate safety habits can greatly reduce the risk of eye injuries, especially when kids are excited, moving quickly, or sharing toys with siblings and friends.

• Babies and Toddlers (0-3 Years): Select soft, lightweight toys without hard edges, sharp corners, or long handles. Keep toys with small or detachable parts well out of reach and avoid letting little ones walk or run while holding toys, especially anything with sticks, rods, or pointed ends.

• Preschoolers (3-5 Years): Start reinforcing simple safety rules like “toys stay away from faces” and “we never point toys at someone’s eyes.” Store older siblings’ toys in a separate area so younger children are not tempted by items that are not designed for their age group. Encourage calm, seated play with smaller pieces instead of running around the house with toys in hand.

• School-Aged Kids (6-12 Years): Go over safety guidelines before they use sports equipment, flying toys, or ride-on items such as bikes, scooters, and skateboards. Promote protective eyewear for high-impact sports, and remind kids that laser pointers, bright flashlights, and light-up toys should never be directed at anyone’s eyes.

• Teens: Emphasize the importance of wearing safety glasses or goggles during activities like airsoft, paintball, yard work, shop class, woodworking, metalworking, or car repairs. Talk about how a serious eye injury can affect their long-term vision and encourage them to be role models for younger siblings and friends by practicing safe habits themselves.

What to Do If a Toy Injures Your Child’s Eye

Even with careful toy choices and clear playtime rules, accidents can still occur. If you believe a toy has injured your child’s eye, staying calm and acting quickly can help protect their vision. Reassure your child and gently remind them not to rub or touch the eye, since rubbing can make a scratch worse or push a foreign object deeper. If you see something embedded in the eye or eyelid, do not try to remove it yourself. If it looks like a mild irritant—such as dust, dirt, or a small amount of non-toxic liquid—has gotten into the eye, you can gently rinse it with clean, room-temperature water or saline.

Some minor irritations may improve on their own, but many toy-related eye injuries should be checked by an eye doctor. When you are unsure, it is always safer to have the eye evaluated. Contact an eye doctor as soon as possible if your child has:

• A cut or gash on the eyelid or around the eye

• An object stuck in the eye or eyelid

• Blood in the eye

• A sudden change or loss of vision

• A chemical, spray, or unknown substance splashed into the eye

• Severe pain or your child is unable/unwilling to open their eye