Halloween is a time for fun, but it’s one night during which eye injuries increase and many, although preventable, result in emergency room visits. Most often, prevention takes having information and common sense.
Eye safe costumes can take some thought and planning. Masks, makeup or design should not prevent a child from wearing their glasses. Masks should not obstruct peripheral vision, and eye patches can affect depth perception as well as peripheral vision. The same goes for wigs, hats and headpieces. Fibers, particles or glitter from masks can get into the eye and cause irritation, infection or injury. Avoid “magic wands,” swords, nerf darts or other pointed accessories.
Eyelash extensions pose risks if not applied properly. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “Lashes should be applied by an experienced aesthetician in a sanitary setting, with chemicals that are safe for your skin.” While makeup may seem like a good alternative to masks, some cheap face paints, particularly those with preservatives like parabens and benzalkonium, can cause skin and eye irritation. And if makeup left over from last Halloween was saved, it should be discarded. Bacteria builds up in makeup and can cause infection. Avoid makeup and glitter around the eyes. Purchase regular makeup in specific colors that is hypoallergenic. Glitter should be cosmetic grade too, but shimmery eye shadow is a better alternative. And of course, do a thorough cleansing before going to sleep.
Some patients may want to try costume contact lenses. With a professional fitting, they can be worn safely. Many people, however, don’t realize that contact lenses are medical devices that cannot be sold without a prescription. That said, they suddenly are available at costume stores, nail salons and gas stations, while they are always available online. It took only a few seconds online to find a costume lens seller that didn’t require verification information to make a purchase. This makes purchasing them for fun so quick and easy that we can almost understand why consumers don’t know the risks as we do.
If you know of a brick-and-mortar establishment selling contact lenses without a prescription, you can report them to your state’s department of health or consumer protection, and you can file a complaint against illegal online sellers to the Federal Trade Commission. We can treat our patients to a safer Halloween by getting the word out!
• Linda Conlin
Pro to Pro Managing Editor
[email protected]
