How to Avoid Six Halloween Eye Risks
The eyes are the window of the soul—especially the spooky side that peeps out every October 31. Eye enhancement is a vital part of many Halloween costumes. Whether you’re dressed as a pirate with a single eye patch, a cat with realistic feline contact lenses, or a monster with a full face of makeup, your eyes are at risk on this most frightful of nights. Find out how to keep your precious peepers safe as you celebrate this festive holiday.
Costume Contact Lenses
When it comes to Halloween eye risks, costume contact lenses top the list. Never buy contact lenses from a drugstore, convenience store, or costume shop—no matter how cool they look, or how much the packaging promises not to alter your vision. It’s true that many cosmetic contacts can drastically change your appearance without blocking your sight. But improperly fitted contact lenses can cause corneal ulcers, abrasions, and loss of vision.
If your costume just won’t be complete without dramatic contacts, Chromaview and a few other online companies sell affordable prescription costume lenses. Just make an appointment at Allied Eye for an exam and contact lens fitting. Then submit your prescription to get lenses that will be comfortable and keep your eyes safe all night.
Masks
Masks are one of the easiest ways to transform on Halloween night. Just pop it on and your disguise is complete! It’s important to make sure that your mask has generous eye openings that don’t block your vision in either eye. Be especially careful wearing masks in dim lighting or when trick or treating in the dark. They’re notorious for slipping as you walk and even partial blocking of your peripheral (side) vision can make you trip and fall.
Face Paint and Makeup
Face paint and makeup can be a safer alternative to vision-blocking masks. But you must avoid applying cosmetics too close to your lash line as it will increase eye irritation. Buy fresh makeup each Halloween; don’t try to reuse last year’s makeup. Avoid sharing brushes and applicators between friends and family members.
If your child is having their face painted by a professional face painter, make sure they’re using a brand of nontoxic, water-soluble face paint, such as Snazaroo or Paradise. Ask that them to avoid getting too close to your child’s eyes. Also keep glitter away from the eye area—or avoid it altogether. A speck of glitter may be tiny, but it can feel enormous if it falls into your delicate eye.
Make sure you remove all makeup before going to bed. Most face paints and cosmetics can be removed with makeup remover wipes or even unscented baby wipes.
Fake Eyelashes
Buy quality lashes, as they’re less likely to shed irritating fibers into your eye. Practice applying false eyelashes a few times before your Halloween party. It takes a few times to learn how to keep your hand steady during application—and you’ll also find out if you’re allergic to the adhesive. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying and removing lashes, to avoid pink eye.
Eye Patches
When one eye is patched, your depth perception shifts. It also makes your other eye work harder, resulting in eye strain. That combination can increase your risk of eye-injuring falls. It’s best to limit costume eye patches to the photo booth, or other times when you’re seated or standing still.
Costume Props
Swords, witches’ wands, pitchforks and other Halloween props with sharp tips can pose an eye risk if they’re not handled properly. Try to find realistic-looking props that are made of a soft, flexible material instead of stiff plastic or metal.
If it turns out that Halloween is a little hard on your eyes, Chattanooga’s friendliest eye care team is here to help. Simply call or text us at (423) 855-8522. And even if you make it through Halloween unscathed, consider coming in for an eye exam. This is a great time of year to take advantage of met deductibles and remaining medical spending account funds!