Have an Eye Safe Halloween

What Halloween Hazards Can Harm Your Eyes?

Halloween is one of the most enjoyable times of the year for children and adults alike. However, hidden behind the costumes, candy, and celebrations are real risks that could affect your eyes and vision. Whether you live in Enterprise or elsewhere in the Las Vegas valley, taking a few precautions before the holiday can help keep the fun safe for your entire family.

Can Halloween Masks Cause Eye Injuries?

Masks can complete a costume, but they can also increase danger, especially for children. Masks that block peripheral vision or obstruct breathing can be extremely hazardous. Before heading out for trick-or-treating, check that you and your children have a complete, unobstructed visual field. This is particularly important for children who will be crossing streets in the dark.

If a mask severely limits visibility, consider using face paint as an alternative. Just be aware that face paint comes with its own set of precautions.

Is Face Paint Safe to Use Around the Eyes?

Face paint can be a great substitute for a mask, but it requires care. Buy hypoallergenic face paint and do a small spot test on the inner wrist before applying it to the face, even if the label says it is safe for sensitive skin. Keep the paint well away from the eyes during application, and be especially careful with sharp or pointed brushes that could scratch the eye surface.

If face paint or any other substance gets into the eyes, immediately flush thoroughly with clean water or saline for several minutes. Chemical splashes near the eye can cause significant damage within minutes, so flushing should be done before doing anything else. If irritation, redness, or pain persists after flushing, see an eye doctor as soon as possible.

Which Costume Props Are Dangerous for Eyes?

Try to avoid costumes with sharp or pointed props such as spears, swords, or guns that shoot projectiles. Warn children during play to never point an object at another person’s head or eyes.

Spray cans of silly string also deserve caution. The chemicals in these products can cause chemical conjunctivitis and serious eye irritation. The pressure at which the string is sprayed can also cause a corneal abrasion if it hits the eye at close range. If using these products, make sure children understand they should never spray anyone near the neck or face.

How Can You Stay Visible While Trick-or-Treating?

Visibility is just as important as protecting your eyes from injury. When trick-or-treating after dark, choose brightly colored costumes when possible and carry a flashlight. Adding reflective tape to costumes and props can also help make you and your children more visible to drivers.

Are Decorative Contact Lenses Safe for Costumes?

Decorative contact lenses can dramatically enhance a costume, but they can also cause serious harm if not obtained and used correctly. Even non-corrective contact lenses are classified as medical devices and require a prescription from an eye doctor.

Never buy decorative, colored, or costume contact lenses from beauty supply stores, costume shops, or unauthorized online vendors. These lenses should only be purchased with a valid prescription after an eye exam to ensure they fit your eyes properly.

What Can Happen with Unregulated Contact Lenses?

Contacts obtained through unauthorized sources may cause corneal abrasions, allergic reactions, infections, and decreased vision. In serious cases, they can lead to permanent vision loss. A licensed eye care provider will also give you proper instructions for inserting, removing, storing, and cleaning the lenses safely.

If you are wearing any type of contact lens and notice redness, pain, or blurred vision, remove the lenses immediately. If symptoms persist, see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Do not wait for symptoms to resolve on their own, as infections can worsen quickly.

What to Do If You Experience an Eye Injury on Halloween

If a chemical splash, foreign object, or costume-related accident affects your eyes, take action right away.

• For chemical exposure, flush the eye with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes.
• For a foreign object in the eye, do not rub or attempt to remove it yourself. Seek professional care.
• For sudden vision changes, severe pain, or visible injury to the eye, seek immediate medical attention.

Do not let Halloween turn into a truly scary experience. Taking a few precautions can go a long way toward keeping your eyes safe. To schedule an eye exam or to ask about safe decorative contact lens options in the area, contact Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas at 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com.