Trick or treat! A doctor's shown up with wisdom to help ensure your Halloween scares are all of the fun variety.
Expert Doctor: This Is the #1 Most Common Halloween Injury
Published on Oct. 09, 2024
Ways to protect your eyes this Halloween
Costume makeup
Costume makeup can add a touch of mystique to any getup, but it’s important to use it carefully to avoid harming your eyes. Dr. Kelley points out that improper use can cause irritation, allergies, scratches, and even infections. Here are her expert tips for using costume makeup safely:
- Choose the right products: Always opt for hypoallergenic makeup specifically labeled as safe for eye use. Avoid fluorescent colors and additives that haven’t been approved by the FDA.
- Apply with care: Never apply makeup directly on your eyes or too close to your lash line. Rather than using glitter, which can fall into your eyes, choose shimmery eyeshadows that are safer and just as effective.
- Always test first: Test new products on a small patch of skin away from your eyes to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction. This is especially important with products like eyelash glue.
- Maintain proper hygiene: Use clean applicators and brushes, and avoid sharing your makeup or eye accessories, such as false eyelashes, to prevent infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and unexpected allergic reactions. Also, make it a habit to regularly clean and sanitize all your makeup tools. Always remember to remove all makeup before bedtime.
“If you experience pain, redness, or swelling after applying costume makeup or eyelashes, remove it immediately. Contact an eye doctor if your symptoms continue,” she advises.
Contact lenses
Thinking about elevating your Halloween costume with some colored contact lenses? “It is important to get an eye exam and a prescription from an eye doctor before using any type of contact lenses,” Dr. Kelley suggests. While these costume features can add a major touch of Wow!, they’re not without their risks. Poorly fitting lenses can lead to issues like infections or ulcers.
Always make sure you’re getting these lenses from trusted sources, following proper usage guidelines, wearing them for limited periods, and taking them out before you sleep.
“Remove the lenses and consult an eye doctor if any complications arise, such as pain, redness, or vision changes,” Dr. Kelley says.
Masks
For little ones, it’s best to avoid masks or eye patches that can obscure their eyes or face. Dr. Kelley recommends a creative alternative: Opt for some face paint or makeup instead.
If your kiddo ends up wanting a costume that includes a mask, make sure it has large eye openings for clear visibility. Secure any hats or wigs to prevent them from slipping over their eyes. Also, check that any costume glasses or goggles fit well and stay fog-free before heading out for trick or treating.
“It’s a good idea to test the costume before Halloween night to make sure that it doesn’t obstruct your child’s vision,” Dr. Kelley advises.
Props
Accessories like lightsabers, wands, and swords can add a lot of fun while trick or treating, but they can also be hazardous, warns Dr. Kelley. To avoid any accidental pokes or injuries, it’s important to supervise younger children and show them how to safely handle their props.
Headlamps and flashlights
Avoid giving your kids laser pointers or high-powered headlamps and flashlights. Dr. Kelley cautions, “Shining bright flashlights or laser pointers into the eye can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss because of the strong light intensity.”
Instead, choose lighting options that are effective yet gentle—look for devices with lower lumen levels that provide a soft, visible glow. Flashlights with wrist straps and plastic bodies are also safer and more suitable for little hands.
Before you head out, double-check that the headlamp fits well and comfortably on your child, without obstructing their view. Dr. Kelley also stresses the importance of teaching your children proper flashlight etiquette to prevent them from shining the light into others’ eyes.
Additionally, dressing your child in reflective clothing is a smart way to improve their visibility and safety.
Here’s what to do if you have an eye injury:
“Seeking immediate medical attention is recommended for eye injuries, especially if you notice any changes in vision or pain that persists,” Dr. Kelley says.
If it’s a mild injury around your eye, and your vision isn’t affected, try gently applying a cold compress to keep the swelling down. For any minor cuts or punctures near your eye, make sure to clean and disinfect the area carefully, and avoid touching or rubbing it. Always check with your doctor before using any ointments or medications around your eyes.
“With eye injuries, it’s always better to consult an eye doctor to ensure your eyes are healthy,” Dr. Kelley concludes.
About the expert:
Dr. Sonia Kelley, OD, MS, is an optometrist and senior medical editor for All About Vision. She is an award-winning author with over 20 years of experience in eye care. She has written, edited, and medically reviewed hundreds of articles and infographics on the eye and eye diseases. Her work has earned national recognition, receiving multiple honors from the Digital Health Media Awards and the Mature Media Awards.
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