Scary Looks, Safe Eyes: Your Halloween Eye Safety Guide
Halloween and Eye Safety: Costume and Contact Lens Tips
Halloween is one of our favourite times of year. It is the perfect excuse to get creative with costumes, makeup and, of course, a few spooky touches.
But while you are planning your Halloween look, it is important not to forget about your eyes. Costume contact lenses, eye makeup, glitter and masks can all cause problems if they are not used carefully.
Here are a few simple tips from the team at PB Eyecare in Potters Bar to help you enjoy Halloween while keeping your eyes safe.
Costume contact lenses
Coloured and novelty contact lenses can completely transform a Halloween costume. From vampire eyes to zombie effects, they can certainly make an impact.
However, contact lenses are not simply a costume accessory. They sit directly on the surface of your eye, so they need to be fitted and used correctly.
Avoid buying costume contact lenses from unreliable websites, market stalls or anywhere that does not provide appropriate advice. Poorly fitting or unsuitable lenses can cause irritation, discomfort and potentially more serious eye problems.
If you are thinking about wearing coloured contact lenses for Halloween, speak to your optometrist first.
Never share contact lenses
It might seem harmless to swap contact lenses with a friend for a Halloween party, but contact lenses should never be shared. Everyone’s eyes are different, and sharing lenses can increase the risk of irritation and eye infections. Your Halloween look might be scary, but an eye infection is definitely not the kind of fright you want!
Remember to take them out
After a night of Halloween celebrations, it can be tempting to fall straight into bed.
If you are wearing contact lenses, make sure you remove them as recommended before going to sleep. Keep your contact lens solution and case somewhere easy to find before you head out, so you are not tempted to forget about them when you get home.
If your eyes become uncomfortable while wearing your lenses, remove them and seek advice if the discomfort continues.
Be careful with Halloween makeup
Halloween makeup can be great fun, but products around the eyes need a little extra care.
Glitter, eyeliner, face paint and other products can easily get into your eyes and cause irritation. Try to avoid applying products directly onto the waterline and be particularly careful with loose glitter around the eyes.
Make sure your makeup is clean and in date, and avoid sharing eye makeup with friends.
If you use false eyelashes, take care when applying the adhesive and make sure it does not come into contact with your eye.
Don’t forget your glasses
If you normally wear glasses, don’t let your costume get in the way of good vision. Some masks, hats and other accessories can interfere with your glasses or restrict your peripheral vision. Make sure you can see comfortably and safely before heading out.
You can always make your glasses part of the costume!
What should you do if something gets in your eye?
If makeup, glitter or another substance gets into your eye, try not to rub it.
Gently rinse your eye with clean water or sterile saline. If your eye remains painful, red, irritated or your vision becomes blurred, it is important to seek professional advice.
Contact lens wearers should remove their lenses if their eyes become uncomfortable.
Have a safe and spooky Halloween
Halloween is all about having fun and getting creative. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy your costume without putting your eyes at risk.
If you are considering wearing contact lenses for Halloween or have any concerns about your eyes or contact lenses, the team at PB Eyecare in Potters Bar are always happy to help.
From all of us at PB Eyecare
Stay spooky, stay safe and look after your eyes.
