BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Fans of 'A Christmas Story' know the phrase "don't shoot your eye out" all too well, but it is also a very real warning.

"They actually can rupture the eyeball and penetrate the eyeball," said Clanton ophthalmologist Dr. Randall Pitts. "Every year there are a few."

Dr. Pitts wants parents to keep an eye on their kids. He says to treat BB guns as if they are ordinary rifled, even though they do less damage.

"Even something as simple, as I did with a BB gun, was shoot it against a hard subject and have the BB bounce back and hit me," Pitts said.

The doctor recommends people wear protective glasses. He also says not to overlook toys that shoot foam darts.

"Even some of the Nerf products," Pitts said. "If you're close to them, they have a pretty good punch to them."

He also says paintball guns, lawn darts, bottle rockets, and science kits can pose a threat if used improperly.

If a child is injured, Dr. Pitts says the local emergency room can take care of most scratches and cuts. However, a specialist is recommended in more severe cases.

Over the holidays, resources are still available. Dr. Pitts recommends the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, which has a 24/7 eye emergency department.

"Anything where there might be a penetrating injury, or the vision is bad, or their appears to be blood in the eye really ought to be looked at by an ophthalmologist in a center like that," he said.

The doctor says in some cases, they can use a bandage contact lens to keep the eye lid and the air from disturbing the healing process, but ideally the goal is prevention.