Halloween Eye Care Tips

Did you know that Halloween is now the second largest holiday of the year? Only Christmas tops the autumn celebration of all things spooky in terms of popularity. It’s always fun seeing what costumes people think up, and just enjoying the seasonal décor and treats. However, this is eye injury protection month with good reason! Read on as a local Redding CA optometrist offers some insight on keeping your eyes safe and sound.

What Is Halloween Safety Month?

There are a few overlapping events here. October was officially designated as Halloween Eye Safety Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). A similar event was started by the National SAFE KIDS Campaign In 1981. Their goal? Turning October 31st into an awareness day to help keep kids safe. Eye injuries aren’t the only potential threat in the spotlight: the campaign also addresses things like fires and poisons. Either way, the concern is definitely valid!

While it’s probably safe to say that Halloween will still be taking center stage on the 31st, we’re more than happy to do our part by raising awareness on the eye safety aspects of wearing costumes. Costumes, decorations, and jump scares can make for a dangerous mix! Here are a few pointers on getting through spooky season safely.

Don’t Cover Your Eyes

This may very well be the golden rule. Whether your costume involves a pirate hat, a mask, a bandana, a wig, or any other type of accessory, make sure that it doesn’t cover your eyes or restrict your vision. 

Watch For Decorations

It’s not uncommon for people to want to hang their decorations for Halloween. Be wary of things like dangling branches, twigs, lights, spiders … you name it.

Be Careful With Eyelash Extensions

If you want to go all out-with super long lashes, make sure that you’re being responsible with them. Anything on or near the eye has the capacity to cause an infection. Go with a good brand.

Test Your Products

Do you have sensitive skin? Are you prone to allergies? If so, test your makeup, lashes, and lash glue at home before the big event. This also gives you a chance to perfect your look!  

Don’t Share Makeup

This one doesn’t just apply around Halloween: it’s just a good all-around rule of thumb to follow. You should never share any type of makeup, really, but anything that touches the eyes, whether it’s eye liner, eye shadow, brushes, wands, mascara, or other products, is a personal hygiene item. Like a toothbrush, it’s meant to be used by one person and one person only.

Be Cautious With Metallic Or Glitter Makeup

Glitter definitely can add an extra touch to many outfits and looks. Be careful here, though. Glitter pieces may be tiny, but they are also quite sharp, and can cause serious damage if they get into your eyes.  

Take Your Makeup Off

This one also goes beyond Halloween, and goes into not just good eye care, but good hygiene practices. Be sure to remove any Halloween makeup before going to sleep. 

Bring Flashlights

If you’re headed out trick or treating, or perhaps bringing the kids around the neighborhood, take a flashlight with you, and make sure that you can clearly see where you and/or your kids are walking. 

Don’t Overwear Them

This is one scenario where that saying about too much of a good thing definitely applies. You should never wear contacts beyond the recommended usage period. While this may change depending on the product, a good rule of thumb for theatricals would be about four hours. Ask your Bella Vista CA  eye doctor for more information. 

Choose NonToxic Makeup

It’s always best to err on the side of caution. Go for safe, nontoxic paints and makeup.

Spray With Caution

Are you planning to use a spray on paint or hair color? Be sure to protect your eyes while applying it! 

Tips For Theatrical Contacts 

Theatrical lenses can give any outfit a special pop, and really elevate your costume to the next level. Alien eyes, whited or blacked out eyes, cat eyes … they all look great! However, it’s important to realize that contacts—even those that are just for fun or fashion—are very different from the typical accessory. 

Get A Valid Prescription

You should never wear theatrical lenses that you don’t have a prescription for. Even if you don’t need any correction to your vision, it’s still important that you get a proper fit for your lenses. This will help ensure that they fit your eyes properly. Everyone’s eyes have a slightly different shape, so you’ll need to have them custom made.

Go Through A Reputable Outlet

You may find theatrical contacts that look great in a flea market or at a discount store, or possibly through a retail online store. However, be very, very careful. Many of these spots carry lower-quality products, which is why they are able to offer reduced rates. Just keep in mind a company that cuts corners to save cost will also cut corners on safety.

Lenses must adhere to quality, safety, and RX standards to be safe. If you aren’t going through a reputable clinic, you have no way to be sure that your lenses are safe. Get your contacts (theatrical or no) from our Bella Vista CA vision care center.

Don’t Ignore Red Flags

At the end of the day, your eyes are much more important than your outfit. If your contact lenses are bothering you, listen to your body and remove them. Don’t wait until the discomfort gets severe: at that point you could be risking infection or injury. 

If you notice any type of burning, stinging, pain, or discomfort, or if you can’t see well with your lenses on, take them out right away. If you don’t feel better pretty quickly, contact your Bella Vista CA optometrist. 

Eye Safety For Children 

Halloween can be an exciting time for youngsters! Following a few rules of thumb can help ensure that your little ones get through the holiday safely. 

Here are a few tips: 

Choose Age Appropriate Outfits

Very young children should have costumes made from breathable, comfortable fabrics. They should be fire resistant, and shouldn’t have too many small parts. Stick with the age recommendations on costume packaging.

Be Wary Of Sharp Objects

Many costumes have accessories, such as a fake sword, for instance. Don’t have anything sharp at or near eye level. Of course, the age old adage about running with scissors always applies! 

Watch The Ground

It’s quite easy for kids to trip over a costume that is long or has trailing pieces. Keep an eye on the terrain, and try to keep kids from running around. 

Conclusion: Halloween can be a fun holiday for kids and adults! However, it’s important to take some precautions to keep your eyes safe. Don’t wear masks or costumes that obstruct your vision. If using theatrical lenses, get a prescription and only go through a licensed optometrist or vision care center. You’ll also need to follow the proper care protocols.

Make An Appointment At Our Redding CA Vision Care Center

Are you due for an eye exam? Do you want to get fitted for theatrical lenses? Contact us, your Redding CA optometry clinic, anytime.