Not every gift is all fun and games. Each year during the holiday season, thousands of kids end up in urgent care or at their eye doctor because of toy-related eye injuries.
At Dr. Chinn's Vision Care in North Park, we’re encouraging San Diego families to stay alert and choose gifts that bring joy — not danger. If you’re shopping for little ones, here’s how to protect their vision without cutting back on the holiday cheer.
Why Toy-Related Eye Injuries Happen More Often Than You Think
In a city like San Diego, with its outdoor lifestyle, year-round sunshine, and active families - toys that shoot, fly, or light up are popular choices. Unfortunately, many of those same toys come with hidden risks to the eyes. According to Prevent Blindness, an average of 11 children per day are treated in the ER for toy-related eye injuries in the U.S.
Sharp edges, projectile parts, lasers, and even basic building sets can cause:
- Corneal scratches
- Bleeding inside the eye
- Lens dislocation
- Retinal detachment
- Long-term vision problems
These risks are especially concerning for younger kids, whose visual systems are still developing.
A Local Look: Why It Matters in San Diego
In neighborhoods like North Park, South Park, and University Heights, many families spend more time outside—and that often means kids are using their toys with less supervision. Add in high screen time rates, dry air from Santa Ana winds, and an urban landscape with limited open play spaces, and you've got a perfect storm for accidents.
San Diego families care deeply about wellness, balance, and staying active, but it’s easy to overlook how everyday play can put a child’s eyesight at risk.
What to Avoid When Shopping for Toys
Whether you’re shopping at a local boutique in North Park or scrolling online, it’s important to read labels and think about safety first. When it comes to eye health, certain types of toys are known to be more risky. Avoid:
- Toys with projectiles (foam darts, slingshots, flying discs)
- Laser pointers or anything labeled with “LED light beam”
- Toys with sharp corners or edges
- Anything marked for ages older than your child
- Small parts that could break off and be thrown or poked
Always look for the ASTM label, which indicates that the toy meets safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
Toy Shopping Tips for San Diego Parents
To help keep the holidays injury-free, consider these smart shopping tips:
- Choose age-appropriate toys that match your child’s motor skills and maturity.
- Opt for soft, flexible materials for anything used around the face.
- Encourage use of protective eyewear if your child plays with active toys.
- Supervise use of new toys - especially those with moving or light-up parts.
- Keep older siblings’ toys away from younger children.
In a creative and lively community like San Diego, where holiday gifts often go beyond the usual, make sure you’re balancing fun with safety.
Your Neighborhood Optometrists in North Park, San Diego
At Dr. Chinn's Vision Care, we’re here to support families with trusted, year-round eye care - including pediatric eye exams, injury evaluation, and visual health guidance. If your child experiences redness, pain, or blurry vision after playing with a toy, don’t wait it out. Call us to schedule an appointment or stop by our North Park office to get quick answers and gentle care.
Our team is proud to care for the San Diego community across North Park, South Park, and University Heights. From designer glasses to developmental eye health, we’re your local resource for family-focused vision care.
Call 619-280-0664 or book an eye care appointment at our eye clinic to keep your child’s eyes safe this holiday season.