Dec Web

Everything should be made of non-toxic materials.
Floating bath toys and stacking toys are always
favorites.
Toddlers need toys for active play, such as balls or
a wagon. Blocks and simple puzzles are good at this
age, as are picture books.
Preschoolers like to use their imaginations. Dolls,
teddy bears, toy telephones, planes, cars and boats
are all appropriate, here. Larger outdoor toys such as
a swing set or tricycle encourage balance and fitness.
Board games, word and matching games, construction
sets, modeling clay and other art supplies help with
visualization and memory skills. Books are always
appreciated, especially if someone reads along with
them.
School-age kids ride bicycles (with helmets!), roller
skate, jump rope and play sports. Don’t forget that
sports equipment, a popular gift, also should include
protective eyewear. Nearly 30,000 sports-related
eye injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms
annually. Science, modeling and craft kits encourage
experimentation and fine motor skills. Board games,
table-top sports games, doll houses, racing cars and
electric trains also help kids develop skills for social
and solitary play.
Video games are a mixed blessing. On the down
side, staring at a video screen can dry out eyes and
cause blurring, itching and burning. Headaches
(both in players and parents) and other symptoms of
eyestrain also can occur. There is growing concern
among the eye health community about the increased
cases of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Both
genetics and environmental factors play key roles in
myopia. But the recent, dramatic upswing in cases
appears to be driven by environmental factors. People
are spending less time outdoors and more time on
near-work activities such as screen time and reading.
Kids who develop myopia early in life and progress
to high myopia have a 50 percent greater risk of
glaucoma, they are 17 percent more likely to need
cataract surgery, and have a 6 times greater risk of
retinal detachment and retinal tears. On the positive
side, video games in moderation may help with eyehand
coordination, and some may be educational.
One final note: If you have been around on
Christmas morning you know that more than a few
young children are more interested in the wrapping
paper and boxes than presents. Be careful, as these
can be dangerous play things. Keep it simple, and
have a safe and happy holiday.
The material contained in this article is for informational purposes
only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice,
diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health care provider.
Dr. William Benevento is a board-certified ophthalmologist. He
practices at Eye Surgeons Associates in Bettendorf. For more information,
visit esaeyecare.com.
25%
OFF
GLASSES
It’s good to give and receive. Donate your
old glasses to the Lions Club at any ESA
location through December and receive
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(563) 323-2020
(309) 793-2020
ESAEYECARE.COM
Try on glasses online at home with our
virtual try on or schedule an appointment.
Offer is good through December ’21 only on prescription and non-prescription glasses.
Cannot be used with insurance or combined with any other discounts or previous purchase. See optician for details.
QC Family Focus I December 2021 7