Keeping Halloween Safe | Eye Safety
Halloween should be a fun and memorable time for everyone. Practice “eye safety” when selecting a costume, going to a party and when “trick or treating.”
Here are some Halloween safety tips we would like to share with you from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Prevent Blindness.
Costumes and Vision
Overall, make sure your ghost or goblin can see and be seen:
- Mask, wigs, floppy hats, eye patches and other parts of the costume can block vision
- Secure hats, scarves or anything which may slip over and cover the eyes
- Pointed props, such as spears or wands can poke other’s eyes
- Wear bright and reflective clothing, decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape
- Bring a flashlight to increase visability
- Do not ride a bicycle, skateboard , scooter or roller blade while wearing a costume
- Both drivers and “trick-or-treaters” should obey traffic signals
- Trick-or-treat in groups, especially when involving younger children
- Cross at intersections or crosswalks – do not dart out between parked cars
- Consider Halloween parties as an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating
Contact Lenses and Make-Up
- Use hypoallergenic makeup. Remove makeup with cold cream instead of soap
- Cosmetic contact lenses are medical devices and come with the same risks as regular contact lenses. Improper use of contact lenses and cause serious complications including: infections, swelling, pain, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers and even permanent loss of vision, including blindness
- Decorative contact lenses are popular in Japan. Researchers have determined that chlorine has been found in several types of non-prescription lenses. Colorants printed or pressed into the contact lens can also create an abrasive surface and scratch the eye. The point is that you do not know exactly what is going into your eyes with non-prescription “costume” products
- Do not buy or obtain contact lenses without a prescription. Do not share contact lenses
We hope you share this article with your friends and family.
Happy Halloween for your docs at Burlington County Eye Physicians.
We look forward to seeing you.
Gregory Scimeca, M.D.
Ophthalmologist and Medical Director
Burlington County Eye Physicians
Eye Professionals, LLC (Millville, NJ)
Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Bucks County (Langhorne, PA)