Colored contacts are popular additions to many Halloween costumes, but they and other threats can create problems this holiday. The last thing you want is an emergency trip to the eye doctor, so stick to the following eye care practices while you’re trick-or-treating.

How to Protect Your Eyes on Halloween

1. Watch the Flashlights

Flashlights are perfect for making yourself known to motorists and seeing where to walk in the dark. However, don’t point them at your or anyone else’s eyes. High-powered flashlights over 10-20 lumens may cause retinal damage. Laser pointers can have a similar effect. To be safe, keep your flashlights pointed at the ground.

2. Only Use Prescription Contact Lenses

Blackout, colored, and all-white contact lenses can bring a costume to life, but they can also cause serious problems if you don’t handle them correctly. Each eye is unique; if you try to fit a one-size-fits-all contact lens you bought on the internet into your eye, you may tear the surface. These aren’t always manufactured safely, either, and they may lead to infection. Only purchase contact lenses from an eye doctor.

3. Wear Your Prescription Glasses

When you don’t wear your contacts or glasses, your eyes have to strain to see correctly. While one night of straining won’t cause severe damage, it contributes to overall decreased vision quality. Prescription eye care products ensure you can see clearly, which helps keep you safe on Halloween.

If you have questions about prescription contact lenses or are overdue for an exam, contact Blue Earth Valley Eye Clinic in Faribault County, MN. This eye care center offers comprehensive optometry services. Their team can address eye diseases like glaucoma and also find solutions to minor, everyday eyesight issues. Call (507) 526-2222 to schedule an eye exam, and visit their website to learn more about their services. Connect on Facebook for more eye care tips.