Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Preventing Children's Eye Injuries
Each year, thousands of children under the age of five are accidentally injured in the eye. These serious injuries can damage the child’s sight and even cause blindness.
PreventBlindness.org wants parents to be aware of how to prevent eye injuries from happening to their children. They advise parents to understand how eye injuries occur, to keep a close watch on children at all times, and to find and remove the hazards that can cause eye injuries.
Some of the accidents that can cause eye injuries include a misuse of toys; falling from a bed, against furniture, on stairs, or when playing with toys; misusing sharp objects such as work and garden tools, knives and forks, pens and pencils; contact with harmful products such as detergents, paints, or glues; and automobile accidents.
To prevent these injuries from happening in the home, experts suggest using safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, and putting pads or cushions over any sharp corners of furniture. They suggest putting locks on all cabinets and drawers that kids can reach, and keeping all hazardous chemicals locked up. Children shouldn’t be allowed in work areas and parents should make sure they watch the children closely so they are not allowed near any sharp or pointed objects.
While playing, parents should be sure to avoid purchasing any toys with sharp edges or hard points, spikes, and rods. Parents should not purchase any toys that fly or shoot that could possibly harm a child’s eye. They should inspect playgrounds and play areas for any potential sharp hazards. They also should make sure their children wear proper eye protection when playing sports.
When driving, children should be belted in baby carriers and child safety seats, and parents should make sure the seat and shoulder belts fit well. Children ages 12 and younger should never ride in the front seat of a car. Any loose items that could fly around in the case of an accident should be kept in the trunk or secured on the floor.
Parents should seek immediate medical attention if:
- Your child has obvious pain or trouble seeing.
- Your child has a cut or torn eyelid.
- One eye does not move as well as the other.
- One eye sticks out compared to the other.
- The eye has an unusual pupil size or shape.
- There is blood in the clear part of the eye.
- Your child has something in the eye or under the eyelid that can’t be easily removed.
If you suspect that your child has a vision problem, visit an eye doctor as soon as possible.
Kiley Law Group located in Andover and Boston, Massachusetts takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained Boston child injury lawyers wins your case. Call now for a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-208-1695.
