Send us Fan Mail What are the most common eye injuries in children—and how can parents help prevent them? In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with Dr. Aaron Nagiel, pediatric retinal specialist and Chief of the Retina Division at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, to discuss children's eye health, vision safety, and the latest breakthroughs in retinal care. Dr. Nagiel explains how the retina works, common retinal conditions seen in children, and the warning signs parents should never ignore. He shares real-world stories about sports injuries, Nerf gun accidents, and laser pointer injuries that can lead to permanent vision loss, while offering practical advice on prevention and eye protection. They also discuss: • Common eye injuries in children and how to prevent them • When a red eye is concerning—and when it isn't • Warning signs of retinal disease • The role of screens, outdoor play, and dry eyes • Why children should wear prescribed glasses consistently • When eye symptoms warrant an urgent evaluation • Exciting advances in gene therapy and the future of pediatric retinal care This episode is packed with practical takeaways that can help parents recognize problems early, protect their children's vision, and know when to seek specialized care. Dr. Aaron Nagiel is a pediatric retinal specialist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and USC Roski Eye Institute, where he cares for children with retinal diseases, eye trauma, retinopathy of prematurity, and inherited retinal disorders. In collaboration with the Center for Personalized Medicine, he leads a state-of-the-art program specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic eye disease, including gene therapy surgery. Dr. Aaron Nagiel earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University summa cum laude, and then underwent combined MD and PhD training at Cornell University and The Rockefeller University in New York City. His PhD work was supported by an NIH fellowship and contributed to our understanding of how synapses form in the developing brain. After an internship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Nagiel completed both ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal fellowship at the renowned Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. To contact Dr Nagiel: Please call 323-361-2347 or check out his website Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more. Follow Dr Jessica Hochman: Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out: Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.
