It’s October again, which means Halloween is right around the corner! Halloween is an exciting time of year, but it can also present some real eye safety risks. Eye injuries are one of the most common Halloween-related injuries, and many of them can be prevented with a few simple tips. Whether you’re on the hunt for a party costume or planning to go trick-or-treating with your child, it’s important to keep these eye safety tips in mind to ensure a fun, safe Halloween.
1. Choose your costumes wisely
When you’re choosing a costume, consider how it may impact your eye safety. Long, flowing costumes may be fun but can also be a tripping hazard, especially when walking in the dark. Similarly, avoid masks that obstruct your vision or have small eye holes, as they can cause blurry vision and impede your sight. Instead, choose breathable costumes with larger eye openings that allow you to see clearly and easily.
2. Use safe accessories
Accessories can take your costume to another level, but they can also pose a threat to your eye health. Avoid costumes with sharp or dangerous props, such as swords or knives. If you’re planning to wear an eye patch, make sure it is made of breathable material and has rounded edges.
3. Don’t wear non-prescription cosmetic lenses
Non-prescription cosmetic lenses may seem like a fun way to enhance your costume, but they can be dangerous. Even if you have 20/20 vision, decorative contact lenses still require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye care professional. A proper fitting ensures that the lenses sit on your eyes securely and comfortably. This is crucial because poorly fitting lenses can lead to eye infections, corneal abrasions, and even vision loss. If you want to wear cosmetic lenses this Halloween, make sure to schedule a contact lens exam to obtain a prescription and proper fitting.
4. Be careful with costume makeup
Costume makeup can be a fun way to transform your appearance, but it can also pose a risk to your eyes if not used correctly. Make sure to read the ingredients and only use products that are allergen-free and approved for use around your eyes. Avoid applying makeup too close to your eyes, and never share makeup with others to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Also, make sure to remove all makeup before going to bed, as sleeping in it can cause eye irritation and dryness.
This Halloween, prioritize eye safety when putting together your costumes or going out for trick-or-treating. Remember to choose practical costumes, use safe accessories and makeup, and don’t wear decorative non-prescription lenses.