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 risk 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
Many people think that decorative contact lenses are harmless, but they can lead to serious eye infections and other problems. Always get a prescription from an eye doctor before wearing any type of decorative contact lens. It’s illegal to purchase contact lenses from salons, street vendors, flea markets, novelty stores, or through websites where no prescription is required because a poor contact lens fit can cause serious eye damage, including scratches on the cornea, a corneal infection, pink eye, decreased vision, and even blindness. It’s simply not worth the risk!
Practice Safe Trick-or-Treating
Trick-or-treating is another classic Halloween activity, but it’s essential 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 an eye exam, please contact Decatur Family Eyecare in Decatur, AL. Our optometrists and team of eye care professionals are here for all your eye health and vision needs!