Newsletter
1. One important task for this school holidays.
1. Focus
Your child’s eyes can have a problem focusing even if they see well. Shortsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism affect their reading, writing and playing.
2. Accommodation
We were not created to spend hours on end reading books or staring at a screen. The increase in the increasing tension of near activities places stress on the visual system, especially of young children.
3. Muscle Balance
Good coordination between the two eyes is important for reading and sport activities.
Signs that your child might have an eye problem
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding a book closer than normal to see better
- “Squinting” the eyes to see better
- Rubbing the eyes excessively
- Consistently closing one eye
- Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
- Family history of eye problems
- Difficulty with eye-hand coordination
Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to your child’s eyes.
Let us help your child see better.
2. Laser Pointer Toys: Fun for Kids, Dangerous for Eyes
With Christmas around the corner, many parents are hunting for exciting stocking fillers — and laser pointer toys often seem like an easy win. They’re bright, cheap, and entertaining. But here’s the reality most parents don’t know: laser pointers can cause permanent eye damage in seconds.
Why Laser Toys Are Risky
Even though they’re sold as “toys,” many laser pointers available online or from informal retailers are far stronger than the legal safety limit. Some are mislabelled, some imported without regulation, and some can emit up to 100 times the recommended safe power.
A child doesn’t even have to intentionally shine it in someone’s eyes to cause harm. Accidental flashes happen quickly — and the eye cannot escape the beam fast enough to protect itself.
What Can Happen?
Laser damage is not a “maybe.” It’s a well-documented medical reality. A direct hit from a strong laser can cause:
- Burns on the retina
- Permanent blind spots
- Reduced central vision
- Distortion of straight lines
- Lifelong visual impairment
And the most frightening part? Damage is often painless — children may not realise something is wrong until the injury is permanent.
Red Flags for Parents
If your child complains about:
- Blurred vision
- A dark spot in their sight
- Light sensitivity
- Distorted shapes
…or if you suspect they looked into a laser, book an eye examination immediately. Early detection can prevent further damage.
Safer Alternatives
If your child loves lights, consider:
- LED light wands
- Glow sticks
- Fibre optic toys
- Flashing ball toys
- Colour-changing night lights
They deliver the sparkle and excitement without the risk.
Protect your child’s vision — skip the laser toys this Christmas.
If you have any concerns or want advice on safe toys, feel free to visit us at De Smedt Optometrists. We’re always here to help you protect what matters most: your family’s sight.