Start carving your pumpkins: it’s almost time for Halloween! The American Academy of Ophthalmology encourages everyone to have a safe, not scary Halloween by designating October as Halloween Safety Month!
As you consider how to keep you and your children safe, don’t forget to think about Halloween eye safety. Keep reading to learn five things to do to protect your eyes during Halloween Safety Month!
1. Choose Halloween Costumes with Safety in Mind
When selecting this year’s Halloween costumes, it’s important to ensure they don’t obstruct a full range of vision or cause eye irritation. Whenever possible, opt for non-toxic makeup rather than a mask, which could limit the ability to see clearly in all directions.
If costume contact lenses are an absolute must, contact your eye care provider to explore prescription lens options. To prevent painful eye infections or more serious eye injuries, make sure costume contact lenses are removed and disinfected at the end of the night.
2. Don’t Keep Anyone in the Dark
Outdoor Halloween decorations should include plenty of lights to prevent accidental trips or falls when trick-or-treaters approach your door. A well-lit entryway helps you see everyone’s costumes and prevents eye strain as you fill their bags!
While collecting candy in the neighborhood, make sure that everyone has a flashlight to light their way. Eye injuries caused by accidental trips over tree roots or uneven pavement can be an unfortunate end to the excitement of this spooky night!
3. Keep Makeup and Face Paint Well Away from the Eye Area
While Halloween makeup can be a safer option for the eyes than a mask, be sure that any product you use on the face is non-toxic and is labeled safe for use on the skin and around the eyes. If you’re not sure about the quality of the product, test it first on the inside of your wrist.
Even if Halloween makeup says it is safe for use near the eyes, stay well away from the eye area! Running around on Halloween can work up a sweat, causing makeup to accidentally run into delicate eyes.
4. Beware the Pirate’s Sword and the Fairy’s Wand
Costume accessories can go from cute to catastrophic when they are mishandled. Hard plastic or metal costume accessories increase the chances of eye injuries like scratched corneas or eye lacerations.
Consider safer costume accessories to complete a Halloween look! Seek out accessories, like wands and swords, that are made of soft foam or a witch’s broom with a shorter handle.
5. Light Up the Night Safely
If you’re using candles, lanterns, or other items with open flames as part of your Halloween display, be mindful about keeping them away from areas where they could potentially be a fire hazard. Even small fires can create sparks or flames that could result in eye injury.
A better way to light up your jack-o’ lantern is to use battery-operated, flameless candles. They offer all the flicker without any of the worry of an actual flame.
Whether you deserve a trick or a treat, Halloween is one of the spookiest good times of the year! By following these sensible safety tips, your Halloween fun doesn’t have to be scary for the health and safety of anyone’s eyes!
Do you want to learn more ways to keep your eyes safe? Schedule an appointment at Shepherd Eye Center at one of our 5 locations in Las Vegas or Henderson, NV, today!
