Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in General Eye Health on October 1, 2024
Halloween is fun for all ages, with adults and kids alike donning costumes to get in the spooky spirit. However, things can get truly scary if your costume, mask, or makeup damages your eyesight.
Practicing eye safety during Halloween can prevent problems like eye infections or injuries. The American Academy of Opthalmology celebrates Halloween Safety Month each October to raise awareness about these threats to eye health and help you enjoy Halloween without any real-life scares.
Keep reading to learn more about 4 tips to follow during Halloween Safety Month.
How to Keep Your Eyes Safe This Halloween
Although putting together a costume can be one of the most exciting parts of Halloween, it can turn dangerous if you don’t practice proper eye safety and hygiene. Here are 4 tips that you can follow this Halloween to ensure your night is all treats and no tricks:
1. Avoid Costume Contacts
Wearing colored contacts can be a dramatic addition to a Halloween costume, but they are not a safe choice for your eyes. Unlike contact lenses prescribed by your eye doctor at EyeHealth Northwest, costume contacts are not fitted to your eyes.
When contacts don’t sit properly on the surface of the eyes, they can cause corneal abrasions or corneal ulcers. Costume contacts can also lead to eye infections, often because of insufficient cleaning and disinfecting.
If you want colored contacts for a costume, talk to your eye doctor about safe options. They can help you find a pair of contacts made by a trusted brand so you can enjoy your night with style and safety.
2. Practice Good Eye Make-Up Safety
Make-up is a great way to enhance a Halloween look, but you should ensure your products are safe to use. Many types of make-up expire after only a few months, and old make-up can harbor harmful bacteria.
Using make-up you bought several Halloweens ago could put you at risk for an eye infection. It’s best to buy new cosmetics for the occasion and enjoy a fresher and safer look.
You should also stay away from anything with glitter or metallic powders that could flake off into your eyes. General make-up hygiene applies on Halloween as well.
Don’t share make-up or brushes with others, and wash off all traces of make-up before bed!
3. Be Smart About False Lashes
False eyelashes and lash extensions are popular at Halloween. They can be perfectly safe any day of the year if you follow safe application and removal instructions.
Before applying false lashes, do a skin test to ensure you don’t have an allergy to the glue. Apply and remove them according to the package instructions, and don’t leave them on longer than recommended.
Take them off immediately if they start to bother your eyes. If you choose eyelash extensions, visit an experienced aesthetician at a licensed salon or spa facility to have them applied.
With the right precautions, you can still look your best while keeping your eyes safe!
4. Wear Masks Safely
Masks are usually safe but can affect your vision while wearing them. Make sure you can see well enough to walk around before wearing a mask outside.
Masks or eye patches covering one eye will affect your depth perception, increasing your risk of tripping or falling. If you can’t wear your glasses under a mask, limit the amount of time you keep it on so you don’t have headaches or eye strain from going without your glasses.
Never wear a mask while driving, as it can limit peripheral vision and put you at risk of auto accidents. Wait until you get to the Halloween party to show off your amazing costume to help keep you and others safe on the road.
Do you want to learn more about protecting your eyes this Halloween? Schedule an appointment with EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
