Halloween is the biggest event of the season. No matter how old you are, you can get into the spooky holiday spirit by dressing up and going out.
If you have children, chances are Halloween can be a little hectic. But the most important thing to keep in mind this Halloween, and every Halloween, is safety.
That’s why October is Halloween Safety Month, and it’s also Halloween Eye Safety Month. Thousands end up in the emergency room on Halloween, many due to sustaining eye injuries.
The last thing you want is you or your family to end up in the hospital during this holiday. Keep reading for a few tips to celebrate during Halloween Safety Month!
Be Careful With Masks and Makeup
Masks and other costumes that threaten to block your vision are a considerable hazard. Stay away from plastic masks with small eye holes, and be careful with wigs or other headwear that can droop over your face.
Always make sure you have a full range of vision, no matter what you may be wearing. Makeup is an excellent alternative to a mask that may block your vision, but be cautious if you have to wear any eye makeup.
Your eyes are susceptible to foreign bacteria, so sharing eye makeup like eyeliner and mascara is good for getting an eye infection. To err on the side of caution, don’t share any makeup with friends or family. Make sure everyone has separate eye makeup to reduce the chances of eye infections.
Don’t Use Costume Contact Lenses
Colored contact lenses may seem like a fun way to dress up, but you should be wary of them. If you can buy them online, they may not be regulated and could cause significant eye damage.
Contact lenses need to be fitted to your eye even when they’re not prescription because different people have different-sized eyes. Wearing contact lenses that are the wrong size can irritate your eyes and even lead to infection and serious complications.
Talk to your eye doctor if you’re convinced that wearing colored contact lenses will take your Halloween costume to the next level. They can prescribe a pair that will fit your eyes and be safe!
Beware Of Draping Fabric and Wigs
Anything that drags on the ground or can easily get snagged is a significant hazard. You can trip and fall or trip others.
You can also potentially set yourself on fire if your costume drags too close to a lit jack-o-lantern! Make sure you can walk around freely with a full range of vision and nothing that can trip you up.
If your costume is too long, you may want to hem it before you go out wearing it. If your children are wearing a costume, make sure they don’t have any long fabric that they can trip on before going trick-or-treating.
Choose Safe Decorations
If you love going all out on Halloween decorations, make sure they are safe for trick-or-treaters. Make sure your driveway is well lit and avoid ornaments that hang overhead or that can block someone’s path.
To be safe, don’t light your jack-o-lanterns using real candles. Instead, choose an artificial candle to ensure nobody’s costume has the potential of catching on fire.
Want to learn more about how to keep your eyes safe before Halloween? Schedule an appointment at Shepherd Eye Center in Las Vegas, NV, today!