Halloween is a spook-tacular holiday that allows every age group to join in the fun. Children are always especially excited about dressing up and collecting as many treats as they can possibly fit in their treat bags. However, as an adult, I have to admit I too am quite excited. Victoria, BC has a great selection of haunted houses and activities for children, but also for adults! And let’s not kid ourselves, treats are not just for kids, am I right? It’s clear October 31st is a special time, but every year people are injured, and often times from preventable injuries. So this week, we are going to help you and your family be safe this Halloween with some Halloween eye safety tips for every age. Enjoy!
Halloween Eye Safety Tips
Pumpkin Carving Can Be Potentially Dangerous
Carving pumpkins is something my whole family enjoys, which includes our little toddler. However, carving a pumpkin can be seriously dangerous due to the sharp tools used to get that perfect looking pumpkin, which often includes a knife and saw. Without being careful an eye injury could result (not to mention an injury to the hands). For toddlers, getting them involved in the cleaning out process can be lots of fun. There are also other options other than carving a pumpkin, especially for those particularly small, like painting a pumpkin.
Halloween Costumes Are Fun Until They Aren’t
Young children’s costumes often come with sharp accessories, like swords. These can be dangerous if your child falls or slips while trick-or-treating. They could also accidentally hurt another child’s eye. Assess your child’s maturity in carrying sharp accessories. Most accessories become hard to carry for little hands anyways, as they are usually carrying their loot! Adults should also take some precautions in planning out their costumes. Often times, decorative contacts are a part of adult costumes. However, these are generally bought from unregulated sources like the world wide web. Read about the dangers of purchasing costume contacts in our previous article. Being aware can help you save yourself from irreversible eye damage.
Finally, no matter the age, many Halloweener’s enjoy finishing their look with make-up! It is important for all ages that any make-up being used is hypo-allergenic and includes only approved additives. Using unregulated make-up can cause serious eye irritation. Often times eye irritation results because make-up is applied on or around the eyes and enters the eye accidentally. Dr. Sharma recommends skipping make-up near the eyes for children, as they can easily rub their eyes.
Make Sure To Be Seen
Being easily visible to other pedestrians, bikes, and vehicles should be top of mind. Every year accidents occur because someone wasn’t visible enough. Wearing bright, reflective clothing and carrying lighted treat bags, or flashlights can ensure that both you and your child are safe during Halloween. It is also important to keep in mind of changing weather conditions for those riding a bike or driving. A rainy or foggy evening can make roads harder to navigate, so take your time, and watch out for the little ones.
Happy Halloween From Inner Harbour Optometry
From all of us here at Inner Harbour Optometry, we wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween! Make sure to keep your peepers safe while you enjoy this fun holiday/
Do you need to see a Victoria Optometrist? Book an eye exam with Dr. Sharma by giving our office a call or easily book online today!
We are Victoria, BC’s trusted family eye care professionals.