It’s October, which means Halloween is right around the corner! Whether you’re going all out with a full costume or just handing out candy, safety should always be a top priority—especially when it comes to your eyes. Halloween is all about spooky fun, but an eye injury can quickly turn that fun into a nightmare. As eye doctors, we’ve seen our fair share of Halloween-related eye injuries, so we want to share some tips to keep your eyes safe this Halloween!
1. Be careful with costume contact lenses
If you want to take your costume to the next level this Halloween with some spooky contacts, make sure to get a prescription first from a qualified optometrist! Non-prescription contact lenses can damage your eyes and cause infections, scratches, or even blindness. Only buy contact lenses from a licensed eye care professional or a retailer who requires a prescription.
2. Stay away from sharp objects
Whether you’re carving pumpkins or wielding a fake sword, make sure to keep those sharp objects away from your eyes! One slip and you could be heading to the emergency room for an eye injury. Wear protective eyewear or safety glasses if necessary and always supervise children when they’re using sharp objects.
3. Choose safe costumes
While a spooky costume is always fun, make sure you’re keeping safety in mind when planning your costume. Avoid costumes with sharp or pointed accessories that could accidentally hit someone’s eye. Make sure any masks or headpieces fit securely and don’t obstruct your vision. If you’re wearing a cape, make sure it’s not dragging on the ground, where someone could trip and accidentally pull you down.
4. Use non-toxic makeup
Makeup is an essential part of many Halloween costumes, but traditional Halloween makeup can be harmful to your eyes, especially when it contains toxic chemicals. To keep your eyes safe, always use non-toxic, hypoallergenic makeup and avoid applying it too close to your eyes.
5. Seek professional help if injured
If you or someone you know happens to get an eye injury, it’s important to avoid touching or rubbing the affected eye and seek medical care right away. Our eye doctors are well-trained and equipped to effectively treat most eye emergencies. We’ll assess how serious the injury is and help prevent any vision loss or permanent damage.
Halloween is a fun and exciting time, but it’s important to remember to take care of your eyes. With these Halloween eye safety tips, you can have a fun Halloween while keeping your eyes safe from harm.
