Don’t Let Costumes Turn Your Halloween into a Nightmare

Families are urged to protect children’s eyes by avoiding dangerous or risky costume eyewear

Halloween is a time for family fun and the best costumes—but one popular costume accessory could pose a serious risk to children’s vision.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, one of the biggest nights for eye injuries for keiki is Halloween, as some costumes include decorative eyewear or non-prescriptive contact lenses that can be harmful to the eyes. While colored or specialty contact lenses may seem like a fun way to complete a Halloween costume, illegally sold or poorly made cosmetic lenses may not be sterile and can cause serious eye problems.

“Parents want Halloween to be fun and memorable for their children, but eye safety should always be part of the costume checklist,” said Dr. Steven Rhee, Optometrist at Hawaiian Eye Center. “A contact lens is a medical device, even when it is being used only for cosmetic purposes. Lenses that are not properly prescribed, fitted, and cared for can damage the eye and increase the risk of infection.”

Poorly fitting or contaminated lenses can lead to:

• Corneal scratches and abrasions
• Eye infections
• Redness, swelling, and pain
• Light sensitivity and blurred vision
• Corneal ulcers
• Permanent vision damage or blindness in severe cases

For families with keiki, where Halloween celebrations often include school events, neighborhood parties, trick-or-treating and family gatherings, eye safety should be part of every child’s costume planning.

Parents considering purchasing decorative contact lenses are recommended to get an eye examination and prescription from an eye-care professional, as well as purchase lenses from a legitimate, authorized source.

Parents should also remind children:

Pay attention to warning signs. If a child experiences eye pain, redness, swelling, discharge, unusual sensitivity to light or blurred vision after wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses and seek prompt professional eye care.

Never share contact lenses. Contact lenses should never be shared with siblings, friends, or classmates.

Never buy costume lenses from an unknown source. Avoid lenses sold without a prescription at costume shops, beauty stores, novelty shops, flea markets, online marketplaces, or other unauthorized sellers.

Follow cleaning and wearing instructions. Improper cleaning, storage, or extended wear can increase the risk of infection.

Parents can still help keiki create a fun, dramatic Halloween look without putting their eyesight at risk. Face paint, makeup, masks, and other costume accessories are just as fun and creative without introducing an unnecessary risk to the eyes.

For more information about protecting children’s eyes and maintaining healthy vision, families should consult an eye-care professional.