Air, BB, pellet and paintball guns may be on children’s holiday wish lists, but are they safe?
Eye Injuries from Projectile Toys on the Rise
Eye injuries from these types of guns have risen by 50% since 1990. In fact, since 2010, the number of people admitted to the hospital for eye injuries from air guns has increased 600 percent, and the majority of children’s eye injuries that led to a hospital admission were caused by air guns.
Some of these injuries can lead to retinal detachment and even permanent vision loss. In one study, about 3 out of 10 young patients who suffered air-gun injuries still had poor eyesight after treatment, with visual acuity worse than 20/50.
Take the Proper Precautions to Help Prevent Eye Injuries from Projectile Toys
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has issued the following guidance about projectile toys, including air guns, nerf guns, toy crossbows and darts:
- They are unsafe, and you should think about buying something else.
- If you do buy them for children, make sure an adult supervises the child while they play.
- Always follow manufacturer warnings and age guidelines, and keep toys that are made for older children away from younger children.
- Wear “ballistic” eye wear when using air guns. It should cover the eyes completely, wrap slightly around the head and be identified as meeting Military Ballistic Standards. Goggles and sunglasses designed for skiing, sun, dust and wind protection are NOT safe for eye protection with air gun use.
Consider Eye Safety When Giving Sports Equipment
In addition, If you give sports equipment as a gift, we recommend that you also include the appropriate protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses. Click here to learn more about preventing sports eye injuries.
Take Eye Injuries Seriously
Most importantly, if a child or adult experiences any type of eye injury, seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist.