Halloween makeup, colored contact lenses, and masks may be essential to your costume; however, they can also present eye safety concerns. The following Halloween eye safety do’s and don’ts will help you avoid injuries and even blindness, so you and your family can enjoy a safe holiday season.

Do:

Check eye makeup for FDA approval.

Review the Food and Drug Administration’s list of permitted cosmetic color additives before purchasing Halloween makeup, especially makeup you will use around your eyes. Face paint can run when you sweat, possibly resulting in eye pain and damage if it contains unsafe chemicals. Test the makeup on your arm and wait about half an hour to see if it causes irritation, such as swelling and rashes.

See an eye care professional for colored contact lenses.

If your costume requires you to have a different eye color, get fitted for prescription colored contact lenses at your local eye doctor. Many optometry centers offer these products during Halloween to help area residents avoid infections, injuries, and blindness from non-prescription, ill-fitting lenses. Corneal abrasions and ulcers can result from low-quality costume contact lenses, as can bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and keratitis.

Don’t:

Use sharp objects as props.

Protect the eyes of your family and friends as well as your own during Halloween by avoiding sharp costume props like pointy horns or swords. Prevent your children from using them as well. They may unintentionally hit someone in the eye or cause other bodily injuries that spoil the holiday fun.

Wear masks or accessories that block vision.

Stick to costumes that do not obstruct your vision, especially if you are taking your kids trick-or-treating at night or will attend an evening costume party. This includes eye patches, masks, hats, and hoods that block front or peripheral side vision.

Go trick-or-treating during the day if possible to prevent further vision issues, or carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing for nighttime activities. 
 

If you need colored contact lenses for your Halloween costume, get them from EyeOptics Optometry Center in Elk Grove, CA. They also provide a wide variety of other services, including vision therapy and myopia control. Call (916) 684-6688 to schedule an appointment or learn more about their selection of contact lenses and glasses on their website.