Tips for an Eye-Safe Halloween

Halloween is a fun holiday enjoyed by many children and adults. In the excitement of the holiday, eye-safety usually takes a backseat when planning the costumes, accessories and face design.

Here are a few tips for the prevention of possible eye and bodily injuries:

• Masks can obstruct a child’s vision. Use facial make-up instead.
• When purchasing special Halloween makeup, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled “Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives,” “Laboratory Tested,” “Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics” or “Non-Toxic.”
• If masks are worn at all, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.

• Costumes should only be made from fire-retardant materials.

• Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard.
• Costumes should not include eye patches, which could obstruct vision.
• Accessories should not include nonprescription lenses which come in patterns (i.e., zebra, cat eye, alien and corporate logos).
• If children are allowed out after dark, outfits — including bags and sacks — should be made of light-colored materials. Strips of retro-reflective tape should be used to make children visible.

• Jack Berger all dressed up for Halloween.

  To avoid eye and bodily injuries, do not allow children to carry sharp objects. Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials.
• Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.

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The Visionary, published as a service of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness,
is available upon request. The information contained in this issue,
taken from sources considered to be accurate,
does not replace the need for professional eye care consultations and treatments.

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