Halloween is a favorite holiday for many, offering the chance to transform into someone or something entirely different for a night of spooky fun. However, amidst the excitement of picking the perfect costume, it’s important to prioritize safety and eye care. From tripping hazards to sharp objects and nonprescription contacts, understanding the potential risks is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

1. Avoid Tripping Hazards

When choosing or creating a Halloween costume, it’s important to consider the potential tripping hazards. Costumes that are too long or have loose, trailing fabric can pose a risk for tripping, especially in dimly lit areas. Choose costumes that are the appropriate length and securely hemmed to minimize the risk of falling or stumbling. If your costume includes a cape or trailing elements, ensure they’re short enough to prevent tripping or securely fastened to avoid entanglement.

2. Watch Out for Sharp Objects

Some costumes may incorporate props or accessories that contain sharp objects, such as swords, knives, or other pointed accessories. While these accessories enhance the costume’s theme and appearance, they can also be hazardous, especially in crowded spaces. Make sure any sharp objects are securely attached to your costume and blunted to reduce the risk of injury to yourself or others.

3. The Dangers of Nonprescription Contacts

Colored or decorative contact lenses are popular for adding an extra element of fright to Halloween costumes. However, it’s crucial to prioritize eye safety when using nonprescription contact lenses. Over-the-counter or online-purchased lenses without proper fitting and consultation from an eye care professional can lead to serious eye complications, including:

• Corneal Abrasions: Poorly fitted lenses can scratch the surface of the eye, causing pain, redness, and potential infection.
• Corneal Ulcers: These open sores on the cornea can result from bacterial or fungal infections due to contaminated lenses or improper use.
• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Inflammation and infection of the conjunctiva, the thin tissue covering the front of the eye, can occur from wearing dirty or ill-fitting lenses.

Ensure any contact lenses used for costumes are prescribed by an eye care professional, properly fitted, and used according to the prescribed guidelines. Never share contact lenses with others and prioritize hygiene when handling and storing them.

4. Avoid Vision Restriction

Costumes that severely limit your vision can be dangerous, especially when navigating unfamiliar or crowded areas during Halloween festivities. Masks, hoods, or other headgear should not impair your ability to see clearly. Select costumes that allow a full range of vision to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

5. Tips for a Safe and Spooktacular Halloween:

• Test your costume: Walk around in your costume to identify any potential tripping hazards or vision restrictions.
• Use safe makeup and face paint: Choose hypoallergenic, non-toxic makeup and face paint to prevent skin irritation or allergic reactions.
• Be cautious with props: Ensure any props or accessories are lightweight, well-secured, and won’t cause injury to yourself or others.
• Supervise children: If children are wearing costumes, make sure their outfits are safe and comfortable. Keep an eye on them to prevent accidents.

Halloween is all about having fun and being creative with your costumes. By prioritizing safety and eye care, you can ensure a memorable and safe Halloween experience for yourself and those around you. Happy Haunting!

About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD owns and operates Bissell Eye Care servicing Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. With two locations to treat patients, we offer evening and Saturday appointments. Bissell Eye Care provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. We accept most types of vision and health insurance plans. For more information, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.