Five Tips for Keeping Your Eyes Healthy and Protecting Vision During Halloween

Depending on your Halloween plans, you might be celebrating by finding your way through a corn maze, carving a pumpkin, or dressing in a scary costume. But whatever you decide to do, it is important to keep safety in mind.

Different types of injures can wreck your Halloween plans, including eye injuries. The American Academy of Ophthalmology eye health observance for October is Halloween Safety. 
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It is a good reminder for all of us to take precautions to keep our eyes healthy and free from injury. Below are several tips for enjoying Halloween with eye safety in mind. 
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Stay away from costume contact lenses

Whether you are dressing as a zombie or a vampire, colored contact lenses might be something you considered, but According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, costume contact lenses should be avoided.

Costume lenses are also called fashion contact lenses, theatre lenses, and cosmetic contact lenses. These types of lenses usually do not correct vision. Instead, they change the color of the eyes to get a certain Halloween look, but this type of non-prescription lens can lead to eye issues. Costume lenses can lead to eye problems, including infections and corneal scratches.

Keep in mind; contact lenses require a prescription. Although stores are not legally allowed to sell costume lenses without a prescription, they can be found.

Do not buy any costume lenses from online stores, beauty supply shops, or costume shops that do not require you to have a prescription. 
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Use hypoallergenic eye makeup

Halloween costumes often call for makeup to top off the look. Keep in mind; Halloween makeup may not be hyperallergic and can lead to eye irritation. An alternative to Halloween makeup is theater makeup or regular makeup in specific colors. Remember to only use products that have been approved for the skin.

If you do apply Halloween makeup to the face, do not place it too close to the eyes. Leave a little space close to the eye that is makeup free to decrease the risk of irritation.

Also, after your Halloween activities are over for the night, remove makeup carefully before going to bed. The longer you leave the Halloween makeup on your face, the more likely it is to work its way into the eyes. If any makeup gets into the eyes, flush it out with water immediately. 
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Skip the eye glitter

You may have a costume that calls for a little sparkle around the eyes or on the eyelids but skip the glitter all together near your eye. Glitter can easily get into the eyes and lead to a scratch or infection. If you want a little sparkle, consider using a colorful eyeshadow instead. 

Avoid carrying sharp costume accessories 

With certain costumes, you might want the finishing touch to include a prop, such as a sword, hook, or wand, but carrying a pointy object around might lead to an eye injury. Avoid pointed costume props, especially for kids. Also, be sure your costume or your child’s costume is not dragging on the ground, which could be a tripping hazard and lead to a fall. 

Make sure vision is not impeded

Certain costumes might include a mask or eyepatch, which can interfere with proper vision. If yours or your child’s costume includes a mask, make sure the eye holes are big enough that vision is clear. If you or your child are walking around outside at night, remove the mask to make sure you can see well.

Halloween activities can be a fun way to enjoy time with family, friends, and neighbors, but nothing puts a damper on Halloween fun more than an injury. By taking some of the precautions above, you can enjoy your Halloween night while protecting your eyes.

If you have any questions or would like to ask about whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.