Scary good vision tips for this Halloween
Keep Halloween fun and safe with these tips to protect kids and adults from eye hazards.
Halloween is a fun time full of costumes, candy and spooky surprises. But it can also bring some risks to eye health. From costume contact lenses to nighttime trick-or-treating, there are a few things to watch out for. Protecting eyes doesn’t have to be hard. A little planning can help keep the holiday safe and fun for everyone.
Here are some scary good ways to help protect eyes this Halloween.
1. Beware of costume contact lenses
Many people like to wear contact lenses to complete their costume. Some lenses make eyes look like a cat, zombie or vampire. They might look cool, but contact lenses without a prescription can be unsafe. This is because they are not made to fit the eye correctly. Wearing lenses that don’t fit well can scratch the eye, cause an infection or even lead to vision loss.
Experts recommend all contact lenses be bought with a prescription.1 This includes lenses that are only for looks. An eye care provider will make sure the lenses are safe and fit the eye the right way. Never buy costume lenses from a Halloween store, beauty shop or online seller that doesn’t ask for a prescription.
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2. Choose eye-safe makeup
Halloween makeup helps turn kids and adults into ghosts, witches and other spooky creatures. But some makeup can bother the eyes. Products like glitter, face paint and eyeliner might cause symptoms such as:
- Itching
- Redness
- A rash
To stay safe, always choose makeup that is made for use on the face. Look for labels that say "safe for eyes" or "hypoallergenic." And try to avoid using glitter near the eyes. If makeup gets into the eyes, rinse it out right away with water.
At the end of the night, it’s important to remove all makeup before going to bed. Use a gentle cleanser or makeup remover. Wipe away makeup carefully, especially around the eyes. This helps prevent eye infections and keeps skin healthy.
3. Accessorize with glasses
Lenses can be a part of the fun too. Add fake eyebrows or use pipe cleaners to make silly shapes. Some kids dress up as scientists, book characters or superheroes who wear glasses.
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4. Try eye-friendly costume ideas
Makeup or contact lenses might cause problems for sensitive eyes. Luckily, there are still lots of ways to enjoy dressing up for Halloween.
Here are some eye-friendly costume tips:
- Use hats, wigs or funny glasses instead of eye makeup
- Pick costumes that don’t need anything worn near the eyes
- Wear colorful clothes that match the costume idea
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5. Keep kids safe after dark
Most kids trick-or-treat often when it’s dark outside. But poor lighting can make it hard to see where to walk. It can also make it harder for drivers to see kids in costume.
To help kids see better at night, choose costumes with bright colors or reflective tape. Flashlights and glow sticks can also help light the way. Some parents give kids headlamps or clip-on lights for extra safety.
Masks and costume hoods can also block a child’s vision. Try to use face paint instead of a mask. If a child wears a mask, make sure the eye holes are large and sit in the right place. A child should be able to see clearly in front and to the sides.
6. Call an eye care provider
Eye health is important all year long. Halloween might bring some extra things to watch out for. If a child or adult has red eyes, pain or blurry vision after wearing makeup or costume lenses, it’s best to see an eye care provider right away.
Providers can help with more than just problems. They also give advice on how to protect vision and find the best products to use. They can help pick contact lenses that are safe and fit the eye well.
Sources:
1. Colored and Decorative Contact Lenses: A Prescription Is A Must U.S. Food & Drug Administration, October 2022
