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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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An Eye on Vision Safety When Buying Holiday Toys

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Wednesday, December 10, 2014   

BISMARCK, N.D. - As parents across North Dakota go in search of the perfect gifts for their kids with Christmas just a couple weeks away, they're being reminded that some gifts that can bring joy may also bring pain.

Thousands of accidents involving children and toys that result in eye injuries and even blindness happen every year. Nancy Kopp, executive director of the North Dakota Optometic Association, said the most common culprit is the toy gun.

"It's noted by Prevent Blindness of America," she said, which "actually found that of all toys, it's the guns - whether it be air guns, BB guns or spring guns - that cause the maximum number of eye injuries."

Kopp said parents should heed the age recommendations of toy manufacturers and avoid toys with sharp or rigid points, spikes, rods and dangerous edges.

Toys that could do physical harm to a child's eyes, however, are not the only danger to vision that may come wrapped up under the tree. Kopp said the prolonged use of video games, smart phones and tablets can cause what's called "computer vision syndrome."

"The symptoms," she said, "can include eye strain, headaches, fatigue, burning, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision and head and neck pain."

Kopp said kids and adults who have long periods of screen time should follow the 20-20-20 rule: taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes, and viewing something 20 feet away.

More information, including a safe-toy checklist, is online at preventblindness.org. Information on the NDOA is at ndeyecare.com.


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