Halloween is 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.
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
Toy swords and magic wands may seem like a fun part of a good costume, but even when used by older children, they can increase the risk of eye injury. It’s best to skip adding sharp, pointed accessories to the costume altogether.
Don’t Wear Decorative Contact Lenses without a Prescription
If you want to wear decorative or costume contact lenses as part of your Halloween costume, keep in mind that wearing decorative contact lenses requires a prescription. Don’t wear decorative contact lenses purchased online or over the counter without a prescription! Wearing these lenses can lead to very serious eye infections and disorders, and it’s simply not worth the risk to your eye health and vision.
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 a comprehensive eye exam, please contact Ideal EyeCare in Omaha, NE, or Council Bluffs, IA. Our optometrists and team of eye care professionals are here for all of your eye health and vision needs!
