Halloween can be such a fun time for children and adults! It’s a time for sugar highs, costume parties, and spooky fun. But it’s also a time when emergency rooms see an uptick in eye injuries, particularly among children. That’s because many popular Halloween activities carry a risk of eye injury and eye infections. The good news is that you can avoid infection and injury this Halloween by following these simple tips.
Don’t wear decorative contact lenses without a prescription
Do your Halloween costume plans include wearing decorative or costume contact lenses?
Many people think that wearing decorative contact lenses purchased online or in a store without a prescription is harmless, but they can lead to serious eye infections and other problems. Always get a prescription from an eye doctor before wearing any type of decorative or costume contact lens.
It’s illegal to purchase contact lenses from salons, street vendors, flea markets, novelty stores, or through websites where no prescription is required because a poor contact lens fit can cause serious eye damage, including scratches on the cornea, a corneal infection, pink eye, decreased vision, and even blindness. It’s simply not worth the risk!
Avoid Costumes That Obstruct Vision
If you or your child are planning on wearing a mask as part of the costume, make sure they fit properly and don’t obstruct vision. Masks should have large eyeholes that allow you to see clearly. Masks which don’t fit properly are dangerous for children while trick-or-treating, particularly because they restrict their peripheral vision. Wigs and eye patches can also obstruct vision, so use them as part of the costume with caution.
Avoid Costumes Which Require Sharp Objects
Be careful with props such as swords or magic wands. It’s easy for kids (and adults!) to get carried away when playing with props such as swords or knives. Make sure that any prop you’re using is made of soft, flexible materials such as foam so that nobody gets hurt if things get too wild.
Practice Safe Trick-or-Treating
Trick-or-treating is another classic Halloween activity, but it’s important to take some safety precautions while doing it. First and foremost, make sure everyone in your group is wearing reflective gear so that drivers can see you easily. It’s also a good idea to carry a flashlight so that you can see where you’re going while walking from house to house in the dark.
Conclusion
We hope these tips help you have a happy and safe Halloween! If you have any questions about protecting your eyes this Halloween season or would like to schedule an appointment for an eye exam, please contact Newport Eyecare, with locations in Newport, ME, and Waterville, ME. Our optometrists and team of eye care professionals are here for all your eye health and vision needs!
