Ocular trauma is a significant cause of visual loss in children as discussed in the article by Lesniak et al. in this issue. The socioeconomic cost related to pediatric ocular trauma is staggering. Therefore, prevention of eye injuries in children is paramount. Children should be educated about the dangers of ocular trauma. Parents should set a positive example by wearing protective eyewear while doing risky tasks or being involved in sports. As a result, children need to be encouraged to wear safety glasses under similar circumstances. Because many eye injuries in children can occur in the home setting, it is important to make homes a safer place (ie, cushion sharp corners and edges in furniture and fixtures and keep all chemicals and tools out of the reach of children). Parents should avoid having children play with potentially dangerous toys.
Legislation should also be passed to improve toy safety standards. This should include placing warning labels on toys that prove a potential for eye injuries. Parents will be alerted to the possible potential of causing pediatric eye injuries.
Leonard B. Nelson, MD, MBA
Editor