Medical staff at Sabha Medical Center reported 63 cases of eye injuries among children on the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, all caused by dangerous toy pellet guns. The injuries ranged from mild to moderate, while two children required urgent surgical intervention due to the severity of their injuries.
According to ophthalmologists at the center, the majority of cases involved eye trauma resulting from direct hits by plastic pellets. Medical professionals have issued strong warnings about the serious risks posed by these toys, especially to children’s eyesight.
“The use of pellet guns, especially among young children, can have devastating consequences,” said one of the attending doctors. “We urge parents to be vigilant and avoid purchasing hazardous toys that could permanently damage their children’s vision.”
Eng. Hussein Abu Zuhwa, General Director of Sabha Medical Center, also appealed to parents not to give in to dangerous toy trends and to prioritize their children’s safety during the holiday celebrations.
Authorities and healthcare workers are calling for greater public awareness and stricter measures to regulate the sale of harmful toys in local markets, particularly during festive seasons.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
