It’s the spooky season again! Halloween can be so much fun for children and adults. Every year, millions of people—both kids and adults—dress up for Halloween. And while costumes and makeup can add to the fun of the holiday, it’s important to be careful when it comes to your eyes. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a safe and happy Halloween.
Don’t wear decorative contact lenses without a prescription
Decorative contact lenses may seem like a harmless way to add to your costume but wearing contact lenses of any kind not prescribed by an eye doctor is dangerous and can lead to serious eye infections and even vision loss. It’s important to only purchase lenses from a licensed eye care professional who can help ensure that they’re the right size and fit for your eyes.
Be careful with decorative or costume makeup, especially around the eyes
If you’re using any type of makeup this Halloween—whether it’s face paint, body paint, or lipstick—make sure to avoid getting it in your eyes. And if you do happen to get makeup in your eyes, be sure to clean them out as soon as possible with lukewarm water. Consider only using face paint that is FDA-approved and hypoallergenic to avoid eye irritation or infection.
Make sure your kids can see well in their costumes if wearing masks or something that covers their head
If your child’s costume includes a mask or anything that covers their head and face, be sure that the eye openings are large enough for them to see clearly. This can include masks, eye patches, and wigs.
Be safe while trick-or-treating in the dark
Carry a flashlight while trick-or-treating with the kids to light up dark sidewalks and pathways and to be more visible to drivers. Also, consider adding reflective fabric or tape to their costume so that they’ll be more visible to drivers when walking near roads at night.
Be careful with costume props such as swords
Many costumes include props such as swords, knives, or magic wands. While these may look harmless, they can cause serious harm if they make contact with someone’s eye. So, if you or your child is using any type of prop this Halloween, be sure to handle it with care, or consider skipping the use of any costume accessory with a pointed edge.
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that you and your family have a safe and fun Halloween. From all of us here at Vision Center, LTD in Shelton and Waterbury Eye Associates in Waterbury, we hope you have a spooktacular holiday!
