With Halloween on the horizon, many parents may be concerned about their children’s safety and all that candy. But it is also important to remember to continue to take care of your eyes at this time of year!

Masks and Costumes

While costumes are fun, they can also present some potential problems. In particular, it is important to consider if you and your children can see clearly through a costume mask. Eye injuries due to costume masks are common this time of year, as masks often obscure our peripheral vision. Instead of tripping in the dark during trick-or-treat, consider choosing a mask with wider eyeholes or even widening them yourself at home with a pair of scissors to ensure the mask-wearer can properly see.

When choosing a costume look for any sharp edges on the costume itself. If costumes come with sharp accessories such as plastic swords, consider getting a soft version that will reduce the risk of injury, or forgoing the accessory altogether.

Avoid Trip Hazards

Trick-or-treat often takes place as the sun is setting or when it is already dark. The lack of sunlight combined with vision-restrictors like costume masks make Halloween a prime situation for tripping. In addition to widening eyeholes if wearing a mask, you should also consider the use of reflective strips or glow stick jewelry to help being seen by others as you walk around your neighborhood.

The Danger of Decorative Contact Lenses

Another serious eye hazard associated with Halloween is decorative contact lenses, such as cat eyes or specially colored contact lenses. You should only buy FDA-cleared or approved contacts from a trusted vendor or obtain a prescription from your eye doctor. If not used correctly, you risk suffering from allergic reactions, decreased vision, infection, scratches to your cornea, or perhaps blindness.

If you do decide to use decorative contact lenses this Halloween, the FDA recommends you follow these guidelines:

1. Get an eye exam from a licensed eye doctor to ensure the lenses fit properly.
2. Obtain a prescription for your decorative lenses from your eye doctor.
3. Follow the care instructions for wearing, cleaning, and disinfecting your lenses.
4. Seek medical attention immediately and remove contact lenses if your eyes are red or if you experience persistent pain or discharge.
5. Do not share your contact lenses with anyone else.
6. Do not buy any lenses without a prescription.

Halloween should be a fun day for all ages. By planning ahead and taking these safety factors into consideration, you can ensure a fun, candy-filled night!

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.