Don’t Let Spooky Season Ruin Your Eyes

Halloween is all about the fun costumes, but don’t let your spooky outfit ruin your eyes. We consulted with Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD, ophthalmologist and medical reviewer at All About Vision to get the best tips to keep peepers protected and you safe this Halloween. Here’s what he had to say.

Colored lenses are the perfect way to add the finishing touch to your costume. However, use with caution!  The American Academy of Ophthalmology says costume contacts can severely damage your eyes and cause permanent blindness. They’re also illegal without a prescription in the United States. 

Not all colored contacts on the market are created equal; some can pose risks to your eye health. It's always a good idea to purchase them from reputable sources. And make sure they have the FDA's stamp of approval. To be totally safe, always get a prescription to reduce risk of complications and seek advice from an eye care professional before wearing them, recommends Wachler.

Safety should always be the top priority when picking out your masks. “Make sure any mask you choose fits securely without hindering your vision or risking touching or scratching your eyes,” says Wachler. “A poorly fitting mask can be a hazard, potentially obscuring your vision and causing trips, falls, or collisions due to obstructed vision.”

The right makeup can make or break a look, turning you into a spooky ghost or a glittering fairy. When shopping, opt for hypoallergenic brands to reduce the risk of allergic reactions or skin irritations. Especially around the sensitive eye area, use caution and don’t apply makeup too close to your eyes. This will prevent any discomfort. And no matter how tired you are after a night of festivities, remove your makeup to avoid irritation or infections, says Wachler.

Is a witch really a witch without her wand or a knight a knight without his sword? We think not! While props like these can either elevate or undermine a costume, they can also lead to unintended accidents. “When selecting or crafting props, always be aware of sharp ends, points, or edges that could be harmful. It's too easy for someone to get poked in the eye or injured in another way in the excitement of festivities,” says Wachler.

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