Halloween is one of the most fun times of year for kids and adults alike—but some of our favorite Halloween accessories can pose unexpected risks to our eyes.
From dramatic makeup and glitter to decorative colored contacts and elaborate costumes, a little extra attention can help keep your eyes safe while you enjoy the spooky season.
Thinking About Colored Contacts? See Your Eye Doctor First.
Decorative or colored contact lenses can completely transform a Halloween costume, but they aren’t just a costume accessory. Contact lenses are medical devices and should be properly prescribed and fitted by an eye care professional.
Purchasing lenses from costume shops, beauty stores, social media sellers, or websites that don’t require a prescription can put your eyes at risk. Ill-fitting or poor-quality lenses can cause scratches on the cornea, infections, inflammation, and potentially serious vision problems.
Even if you only plan to wear them for a few hours, your eyes deserve properly fitted lenses.
Be Careful With Halloween Makeup
Glitter, face paint, eyeliner, and other cosmetics can create problems when used too close to the eye.
Try these simple precautions:
- Keep glitter and loose powders away from the eyes.
- Don’t share eye makeup with friends or family.
- Avoid using old or expired cosmetics.
- Be careful when applying eyeliner to the inner eyelid.
- Never use products around your eyes that aren’t specifically intended for cosmetic use.
- Remove all makeup thoroughly before going to bed.
If makeup gets into your eye, rinse it gently with clean water or sterile saline. Avoid rubbing your eye, which can make an irritation or scratch worse.
Don’t Forget About False Lashes
False eyelashes and lash adhesives are another popular Halloween accessory. Adhesives can cause irritation or allergic reactions, particularly when applied too close to the eye.
If you experience significant redness, swelling, pain, light sensitivity, or changes in vision after using lash products, remove the product if you can do so safely and contact an eye care professional.
Protect Little Eyes During Halloween Activities
Halloween isn’t just about costumes. Children may also be using scissors, crafting materials, glow sticks, props, and other accessories that can cause eye injuries.
Make sure costumes don’t interfere with a child’s ability to see clearly or safely walk. Avoid sharp or protruding costume accessories around the face, and supervise children when they’re using craft supplies.
Know When an Eye Injury Needs Attention
Not every irritated eye is an emergency, but eye pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, bleeding, sudden blurry vision, or a noticeable change in vision should not be ignored.
When in doubt, have the eye evaluated rather than waiting for symptoms to resolve on their own.
A little planning can go a long way toward protecting your family’s vision this Halloween. With properly fitted contact lenses, safe cosmetics, and a few simple precautions, you can enjoy all the fun without giving your eyes a fright.
From all of us at InSight Eye & Vision Care, have a happy, healthy, and eye-safe Halloween!
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