Halloween is just around the corner and the perfect time to make fond memories with your family and loved ones. Costume choices can haunt you long after the party is over, so be sure to choose your materials and props wisely to keep your eyes safe from harm. Each year there are several hundred eye related injuries reported from U.S. hospital emergency rooms, so it is very important to stop and think about your costume choices before you head out the door. At Optikk 30A, we offer same day and emergency services for eye related injuries.
Dressing up for Halloween is full of imagination, creativity and a lot of laughter! When selecting props, especially for children’s costumes, be sure to avoid items that block vision or have pointed edges which can cause eye injuries. Masks and wigs can be supper spooky, but they reduce the visual range around you which can cause you to fall or run into harmful objects. No pirate is complete without an eye patch or princess without a crown, but these items are best worn securely above the sight line to insure a safe night. Keep all costume accessories dull and secured. Wizards cast their spells with majestic wands and brave knights fight off villains with their mighty swards, but these sharp and pointed objects can cause great danger to those who around them.
Costume makeup and decorative contacts seem fun, but they come with great risks and consequences. When applying makeup, keep the makeup away from your eyes to avoid irritation. Cleaning your makeup off with a cold cream instead of soap reduces the risk of getting the makeup into your eye and causing harm. You may think the perfect touch to your costume is a wide-eyed, doll look or a sneaky cat eye, but think again. These lenses, better known as anime or circle lenses, are not approved by FDA and highly discouraged by any optometrist or ophthalmologist. There are many lenses like these on the market that are illegal and cause serious eye disorders and infections such as bacterial infections, swelling, eye pain, sensitivity to light, conjunctivitis (pink eye), corneal scratches or ulcerations, and permanent loss of sight.
If you do plan to wear any kind of decorative contact lenses, you must obtain a valid contact lens prescription. All contact lenses approved by FDA require proof of a valid prescription before purchase. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for an eye exam and to learn more about contact lens technology. Follow the instructions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing your lenses, and never share contact lenses with others. Always call your doctor if you notice any signs of infection such as redness, eye pain for an extended period of time, or decrease in vision.
Let’s keep Halloween safe and fun! There are multiple opportunities for kids and adults to transform into powerful superheroes, scary witches, or quirky minions, especially here on 30A. You can check out all the local events for South Walton and Scenic 30A on www.sowal.com or www.30a.com. Join in the fun at the Kids Halloween Bash at 30Avenue, the Brew & Boo Beer Festival at Pier Park, or the Louis Louis Epic Funky Boo Bash (to name a few) for chilling tricks and tasty treats this Halloween Season. Stop in at Optikk 30A located in Red Fish Village on Scenic 30A for a comprehensive eye exam before you get all decked out in this year’s winning costume.