With Halloween and Trick-or-Treating just a few days away, here are a few pointers on enjoying the festivities safely:
– If applying makeup, be careful. Test the product on a small area first to be sure it doesn’t cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Avoid placing makeup inside the eyelash line.
– Don’t use glitter, which can get into the eye and cause damage.
– Choose costume accessories that are short, flexible, and made of a soft material to prevent eye injuries. Long and pointy items like a witch’s wand or pirate’s sword can be dangerous.
– If wearing a mask or hood, make sure they don’t block vision, especially at night or in dim lighting.
– Do not use nonprescription contact lenses. They can damage the cornea, cause eye infections, allergic reactions, and an “irreversible decrease or loss of vision.” For anyone interested in using costume contacts, be sure to “see an eye care specialist to determine if your eyes can safely wear lenses and to acquire a prescription.”
Read additional recommendations and details from Johns Hopkins Medicine’s article on Halloween and Eye Safety: What You Need to Know. For more information on such topics as avoiding “Spooky Eye Infections” and the hazards of costume contacts and eyelash extensions, check out the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Halloween Eye Safety Infographics.
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
