Halloween Eye Safety

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Cat eyes, white-out lenses and dramatic makeup are part of Halloween and many costume parties. Costume contact lenses bought without a prescription, however, are a well-known cause of corneal scratches, infections and even permanent loss of vision.

Costume and coloured contact lenses

All contact lenses, including plain coloured and "special effect" lenses, are medical devices: in the United States they have been regulated as such since 2005. A lens that does not fit can scratch the cornea, and poor-quality or shared lenses carry germs that cause corneal ulcers.

• Have lenses fitted by an eye care professional, even if you do not need power, and buy only from a legitimate seller.
• Never buy lenses from costume shops, street stalls or websites that do not ask for a prescription.
• Never share lenses, never sleep in them, and remove them as soon as the party is over.
• Wash your hands before touching lenses, and use fresh solution, never water.
• Remove the lenses immediately if the eye becomes red, painful, watery or blurred, and see an eye doctor the same day.

Makeup, glitter and lashes

• Use cosmetics meant for the face; craft paint and craft glitter are not safe near the eyes.
• Patch-test face paint and false-lash glue on the arm a day before.
• Keep makeup outside the lash line and remove it fully before bed.

Masks and costumes

Masks, wigs and hoods can block side vision, which matters when children cross roads in the dark. Choose face paint instead of masks for young children, check that eye holes are large enough, and add reflective tape to costumes.

See an eye doctor the same day if

• Vision is blurred or reduced and does not clear with blinking.
• Pain, redness or watering continues after rinsing, or the eye cannot be opened.
• There is a cut on the eye or eyelid, blood in the eye, or something stuck in it.
• A chemical, cracker powder or lime (chuna) went into the eye.
• Light hurts the eye, or you see flashes, floaters or a shadow.

Frequently asked questions

Related: Navratri and Garba Eye Care, Contact lens care, Fireworks Eye Safety.