Many of us remember the famed scene in “A Christmas Story” where Ralphie’s mom warns that he’ll shoot his eye out with a BB gun. In the movie, his glasses protect his eye from the BB, but it’s a not-so-gentle reminder that some toys can be dangerous, even when used as instructed. We’re sharing the most dangerous toys you should avoid buying children this holiday season.

Toys With Projectiles

Like a BB gun, other toys with projectiles can cause serious damage to a child’s or adult’s eyes. Toy guns, water balloon launchers, and toy archery sets can lead to a number of injuries, including:

• Corneal abrasions or scratches on the front of the eye
• Hyphema, a blunt-trauma injury where blood pools in front of the eye
• Permanent vision loss or even the loss of an eye

While this may sound extreme, the American Academy of Ophthalmology issued a warning in recent years about these kinds of toys. The statement revealed that toy-related eye injuries have increased over 500% in recent years, with toy guns leading the risk category. If your child receives a gift like this, it’s best to ensure they only use it under supervision and with proper protective gear like safety glasses.

Sharp, Pointy Toys

When used irresponsibly, any long objects that come to a point can be dangerous for young eyes. Toys like fishing poles, swords, or even wands with a star on the end can lead to injury if it contacts the eye. Similar to projectiles, these injuries can include corneal abrasions, hyphema, and vision damage. Ensuring children understand the proper way to handle these toys can help reduce the risk of injury, but it’s best to supervise them at all times.

Toys With Aerosols

Aerosols can also injure the eyes. Silly String or other foam string sprays can lead to eye irritation and chemical conjunctivitis, which can cause severe pain, decreased vision, and large amounts of swelling. At short range, these toys can even cause corneal scratches, as they have a form of projectile, too. This can increase the risk of infection and vision damage. It’s recommended that these stay out of stockings and gift bags this year.

Toys With Bright or Laser Lights

A lot of kids love to play games like “flashlight tag” and at-home versions of “laser tag,” treating these devices as toys. However, high-powered flashlights can cause photostress, essentially bleaching the sensitive cells in the eye responsible for vision with light and causing temporary loss of vision. This temporary vision loss can last anywhere from 3 to 10 seconds, leaving children vulnerable to falling or running into something.

Laser pointers can be a more direct threat to the eyes because they have a higher intensity light that is more concentrated. This light can cause permanent damage or vision loss due to thermal burns or holes in the retina. Choose lower-powered flashlights for children to play with and keep the high-powered flashlights and laser lights out of reach.

Stay safe this holiday season by keeping these toys out of children’s hands.