Halloween is a season of creativity and ghostly fun, but it can also come with hidden risks—especially to your eyes. From costume accessories to festive décor, there are plenty of hazards that could leave you with more than just a fright. Whether you’re gearing up for trick-or-treating or hosting a haunted house, here’s how to keep your eyes safe this Halloween.
Keep Your Eyes Safe this Halloween!
1. Watch out for costume accessories.
Those vampire fangs and witch hats might seem harmless, but some costume accessories can pose a real danger to your eyes. Pointy objects like wands, swords and fake weapons are prime culprits, particularly for children. Even costume masks with sharp edges or ill-fitting designs can cause eye injuries if they slip and poke at your face.
Solution?
Opt for safer, flexible costume props and make sure masks have large eye openings to avoid contact with your eyes. If you’re planning to dress as a character with facial gear, consider face paint instead.
2. Be cautious with colored contact lenses.
Colored contact lenses can take your costume to the next level, but they could also lead to eye infections or worse. Non-prescription contacts, often sold in party stores or online, may not be FDA-approved. These cheap lenses can scratch your cornea, cause allergic reactions or even lead to long-term vision issues.
Solution?
If you’re set on wearing contact lenses as part of your costume, only purchase them from a licensed optometrist. Avoid any over-the-counter or novelty lenses that don’t come with a prescription.
3. Decorations and DIY costumes can be risky.
Homemade costumes and decorations often involve glue guns, scissors, and glitter—materials that can easily get into your eyes. Whether it’s a DIY costume project or hanging up décor, sharp tools and tiny materials like glitter can become hazards, especially if they make accidental contact with your eyes.
Solution?
Use protective eyewear while crafting or decorating. Keep your hands clean and avoid rubbing your eyes, especially after handling adhesives or glitter. And remember, even seemingly harmless items like fake spider webs or fog machines could trigger eye irritation if used too close to your face.
4. Beware of makeup and face paint.
Halloween makeup and face paint are fun ways to transform your look, but they can irritate your eyes. Cheap or expired makeup might contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, redness or swelling. Worse yet, if makeup particles get into your eyes, they could scratch your cornea.
Solution?
Stick to hypoallergenic makeup products that are designed for use around the eyes. Alwaysremove makeup thoroughly at the end of the night to avoid any long-term effects.
5. Handle those glow sticks carefully.
Glow sticks are a Halloween favorite, but they can cause eye injuries if broken. The liquid inside is toxic and can lead to irritation if it comes into contact with your eyes.
Solution?
Keep glow sticks out of reach of children, and if one breaks, immediately wash your hands and avoid touching your face or eyes. Use flashlights or LED candles instead: They are safer illumination options.
Halloween should be filled with fun frights. By being mindful of costume accessories, contact lenses, decorations, makeup and glow sticks, you can enjoy the holiday while protecting your vision. Want more tips or need to check up on your eye health? Discuss any concerns with a doctor at Modern Vision Solutions, where we help keep your eyes in top shape. We specialize in both adult and youth eye exams!
Modern Vision Solutions is a full-scale vision center committed to empowering our patients with the best vision scientifically and medically achievable – whether their best solution is glasses, contacts, or a vision correction procedure. At Modern Vision Solutions, we help our patients achieve the freedom that clear vision can provide. We do this through an unparalleled patient experience and world-class, lifelong vision care. When we partner with a patient for their eye health and vision needs, our patient’s priorities become our priorities. We get to know our patients’ stories, and customize a vision correction solution around their hobbies, dreams, and job requirements. You deserve to live a lifestyle free from visual barriers.
