Protect Yourself this Halloween

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Halloween is right around the corner and in all of the costume excitement, we sometimes forget the importance of protecting ourselves during this holiday. From make-up and face paint to decorative contact lenses, there are steps you can take to make sure this once a year holiday doesn’t have a lasting impact.

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Face Paint/ Make-Up
Many costumes call for make-up and all over face paint. These products can cause allergic reactions on your skin so be careful when applying around your eyes. Test the face paint being used in advance by placing a small amount on a test area on your arm. Look for any changes in the skin such as swelling or redness as signs of an allergic reaction on your skin.

Costume Visibility
Many Halloween costumes come in dark colors making visibility during trick or treating difficult. Make your costume safe by adding reflective tape to make your outfit more visible to traffic and others celebrating the holiday.

Ability to See 
Can you see clearly through your costume? Don’t stumble or trip down the street. Make sure you can see clearly through your mask or face paint.
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Tinted Contact Lenses
Zombie eyes, cat eyes, white eyes—decorative colored contact lenses are growing in popularity especially during the Halloween season. These lenses are still considered a medical device and can cause irritation, infection and eye disorders which, in the worst-case scenarios, can lead to permanent vision loss. If you plan on wearing decorative contact lenses with your costume, it is important to consult with an eyecare professional.