It’s that time of year! Soon, trick or treaters will be filling our neighborhoods and knocking on doors expecting treats beyond their wildest dreams! However, behind the fun and frolic, it is important to keep safety in mind, especially when it comes to your vision.

“At Family Vision Center, we want to ensure all of our valued patients are safe as they head out this Halloween,” Dr. Harsida Desai said. “As you put thought into your creative Halloween costume, also keep your eye health and safety in mind to preserve your vision and prevent any Halloween horrors from happening."

Here are some helpful tips to keep kids of all ages safe this Halloween:

• Be Careful with Colored Contacts

While it can be fun to change up your eye color to match your costume, these accessories may be a danger to your eyes if they are not prescribed by a licensed eye care professional. Most Halloween colored contacts purchased online from a beauty or Halloween costume store are not regulated and may not be stored properly, increasing the risk of an eye infection. It is important that you buy either directly from an eye doctors office, or a company that sells FDA approved contact lenses.

Additionally, not all contact lenses fit the same, and wearing improperly fitted contact lens can cause eye-pain and redness, which can range from mild to severe. Following heathy contact lens habits such as washing and drying your hands before insertion and removal and removing them before sleep is also important.

• All that Glitters Is Not Gold

Face makeup, including glitter can be the icing on the cake to complete your costume. Yet it is critical to avoid putting glitter on or near your eyes unless it is specifically designed for this use. False eyelashes, while creating a dramatic look, are also a potential hazard if not applied with care in a sterile environment. Be sure to purchase a trusted brand.

• Masks Can Mean Danger

Nothing makes a kid jump for joy than donning their super-hero costume, complete with the perfect mask. Yet, these accessories can block their vision, including their peripheral vision, causing tripping or falling. If your child wears eyeglasses, they may be tempted to forgo them to make their costume more realistic, yet this is not recommended as their vision will be compromised potentially causing injury.

Halloween is a much-anticipated event and it can be a night of fun or a night of frolic for your vision if proper precautions are not taken. Contact Family Vision Center today to if you need assistance with colored contacts or other eyecare needs. Let’s make this Halloween the best yet by preserving your vision for years to come!