Eye Pro Scoop On Halloween Eye Safety 

It’s that time of year when families get dressed in matching costumes and young ones indulge in a normally forbidden amount of Halloween candy. 

The costumes, the make-up and the props bring out everyone’s creativity in impressive ways.  

As you focus on the fun, we are here to give you the simple tools to ensure it all goes down without the fright of eye complications.  

Eye safety is the key when prepping for Halloween. 

When it comes to costumes, here are 3 simple tips to ensure an eye doctor’s office isn’t  the next door you knock on. 

1. Keep face paint away from eyes. Children will inevitably rub their eyes at one point during the trick or treat outdoor fun. The last thing you want is face paint smeared into the eye causing burning sensation, irritation, allergic reaction or even a scratched cornea. Instead, opt for fun hats and hair accessories to deliver the look you’re looking for. Keep in mind that face paint may have toxic ingredients that are best avoided even for one night. 
   
   Along the same note, for adults using make-up, always be sure to use clean hands and make-up brushes, and definitely don’t share liquid makeup and brushes.
     

2. Avoid sharp costume props which pose a risk for eye injury. These include toy swords, canes or even sharp artificial nails. In the darkness of the night, the risk of falls and tripping are higher, which poses an even greater risk of eye injury by these accessories.  
    

3. Use only prescribed FDA approved colored contact lenses. Non-prescribed colored contact lenses should be avoided at all costs as they pose a high risk of corneal infections, lacerations or ulcers- all of which can be sight threatening. Instead, visit your local Optometrist to get fitted with FDA approved contact lenses. The FDA requires all FDA approved products to have writing in English. If the packaging of online purchased products has writing only in a foreign language, there is a high chance it is being sold illegally. 

Now about that sack full of sweets… 

As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, especially If you have a child with diabetes, be sure to ration out candy consumption to avoid sugar spikes. High blood glucose levels increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy in people living with Diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is damage caused to the retina by high blood sugar levels which can cause vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is preventable and treatable. 

Prevention is accomplished by TRACK: 

Taking medication as prescribed by your doctor 

Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight 

Adding physical activity to your day 

Control your ABCs- A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol 

(Kick the smoking habit) 

Pro tip: trade candy with your children for money they can use to purchase a fun toy, or even better some fun family activities. 

The night is done. Now what?! 

Everyone is home with lots of fun memories to share. The costumes come off and bedtime is near. But before your head hits the pillow, be sure to: 

1. Remove all eye makeup: Sleeping while still wearing eye and face makeup increases the risk of eyelid infections and eyelid oil gland blockages, all of which can cause chronic eyelid inflammation and further long term vision complications. Instead, be sure to thoroughly remove all eye make up and then follow with a thorough eyelid scrub.  
    

2. Remove your contact lenses: if you are wearing daily disposable contact lenses, be sure to dispose of them right away. If you are wearing monthly or biweekly disposable contact lenses, be sure to use contact lens multipurpose solution to thoroughly rinse the lenses before storing them in the contact lens case overnight. This will ensure that any trapped makeup particles or debris are removed. Also make sure to use fresh contact lens solution for overnight storage (do not top off old solution). Pro tip: first remove the make up then the contact lenses to avoid getting makeup particles in your eyes.  
    

3. Use an eyelid cleanser for thorough eyelid cleaning to kill any bacteria and remove any residual make up particles. Finish off the night with a spritz of Hypochlorous acid eyelid cleanser for a moisturized and cleansed eyelid and eyes. (You can also opt to instill a drop of moisturizing artificial tear drops) 

We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions, you are invited to share them with us. 

As always, get your eye health checked regularly. We invite you to schedule an eye exam appointment with Dr Mina, where you will get a customized plan to get and keep your eyes healthy.