Halloween Eye Safety: Helping Kids Celebrate Safely

12 minutes ago

3 min read

Halloween is a favorite time of year for many children. Costumes, makeup, masks, trick-or-treating, and creative accessories are all part of the fun.

But some popular costume choices can also create unexpected risks for the eyes.

From decorative contact lenses to masks that limit vision, a few simple precautions can help families enjoy Halloween while keeping children’s eyes safe.

Be Careful With Decorative Contact Lenses

Colored, patterned, or “spooky” contact lenses can dramatically change the look of a costume. They may appear to be just another Halloween accessory, but contact lenses are medical devices.

Decorative lenses that have not been properly prescribed and fitted can irritate the eye, scratch the cornea, or contribute to an eye infection. In more serious cases, improper contact lens use can lead to complications that threaten vision.

This applies even to children and teens who normally have perfect eyesight.

If your child or teenager wants to wear decorative contact lenses, they should be evaluated and properly fitted by an eye care professional. Lenses should never be shared with friends, and families should avoid purchasing contacts from costume stores, websites, or other sellers that provide them without requiring a prescription.

Make Sure Masks Don’t Block Vision

Masks can complete a costume, but they can also make it harder for children to see what is around them.

Eye openings that are too small or poorly positioned may restrict peripheral vision. That can be especially dangerous while trick-or-treating, when children may be walking near streets, navigating steps, or moving through crowded areas after dark.

Before leaving the house, have your child put on the entire costume and walk around in it. Make sure they can see clearly in front of them and to both sides.

If a mask significantly interferes with vision, consider adjusting it or choosing face paint or makeup instead.

Use Costume Makeup Carefully

Face paint and eye makeup are another Halloween favorite, but products used near the eyes should be chosen and applied carefully.

Use products intended for cosmetic use, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and avoid applying makeup directly along the inner eyelid or too close to the eye itself.

Children should also avoid sharing eye makeup, applicators, or other cosmetic products with friends.

At the end of the night, gently remove makeup rather than allowing a child to sleep in it. If makeup gets into the eye and causes irritation, rinse the eye with clean water.

Watch Out for Sharp Costume Accessories

Swords, wands, canes, sticks, and other costume accessories may look harmless, but anything with a sharp or pointed end can cause an eye injury during play.

For younger children in particular, look for props made from soft or flexible materials with rounded edges.

Remind children not to swing costume accessories near another person’s face, especially when running, playing, or trick-or-treating in groups.

Know When an Eye Injury Needs Attention

Minor irritation may resolve quickly, but certain symptoms should not be ignored.

Consider seeking prompt eye care if your child experiences:

Significant or persistent eye pain
Redness that does not improve
Sensitivity to light
Excessive tearing
Blurry or decreased vision
Difficulty opening the eye
A scratch or injury directly involving the eye

Children may not always be able to describe exactly what feels wrong, so changes in behavior, vision, or comfort after an eye injury are worth taking seriously.

Keep Halloween Fun and Safe

Most Halloween eye injuries are preventable with a little preparation.

Check that costumes allow your child to see clearly, choose safe accessories, use makeup carefully, and remember that decorative contact lenses require the same precautions as any other contact lens.

A great costume should be memorable for the right reasons.

If you have questions about your child’s eye health, an eye injury, or contact lens safety, contact University Children’s Eye Center to learn more or schedule an appointment.