Halloween is just around the corner. Remember when you were a kid and you loved to dress up? Many adults continue to dress up with their children and also enjoy attending costume parties. Whether it’s to go trick or treating with your children or go to a costume party, it’s a fun tradition that many of us love. One thing that many of us do not spend a lot of time thinking about is the safety aspect of dressing up. Many costumes have masks or use makeup to ensure their costumes are complete. While these masks may look great, they may shift and block your vision while walking or moving around. Your Carmel Eye Doctor, Dr. Amy Walden & Associates have some great tips for stay safe this Halloween. Keep your kids safe this year and make sure their vision isn’t impaired while navigating busy, dark streets.

An idea to avoid masks that may block your vision is to use makeup. It is best to use makeup that will not irritate your face.

Guidelines from your Carmel Eye Doctor when purchasing your make up:

• Choose products that are approved safe for skin.
• Do not place the products close to your eyes or in your eyes.
• Read the instructions on how to remove the make up. Keep out of your eyes while removing.
• If any products do get in your eyes, rinse them with water immediately. If an irritation occurs, contact your local eye doctor.

Color Contacts or Special Effects Contacts

Many people choose to wear colored or special-effect contact lenses that are decorated. These can be used for Halloween to alter your eye’s appearance. Colored contacts can change the color of your eye and create a new look for you. There are prescription and plano contacts, which are worn solely for cosmetic purposes, such as Halloween.

The special-effect lenses have an opaque tint to mask your natural eye color. You are still able to see because the center of these lenses are clear. They are available in many different designs and also colors to enhance your eyes. Depending on which style you choose to purchase, some cover the entire eye and some just cover the center of your eye (iris).

Whichever choice you choose, make sure they are safe for your eyes. There are contacts that can be prescribed by your Carmel Eye Doctor. They also need to be properly cared for when using.

Visit your Carmel Eye Doctor for an exam if you are interested in colored contact lenses. They offer a variety of options for you to choose from and they will be safe for your eyes.

Follow these tips:

• Buy contacts from a licensed optometrist.
• Never share your contact lenses with anyone else.
• Clean your contacts as directed with the prescription or the directions on the box.
• Keep in mind that colored or special effect contacts should not be worn for long periods of time, overnight or in the shower.
• If you experience any eye redness, swelling or discomfort when wearing these, please remove them immediately and contact your eye doctor. Make sure to monitor the redness as this could be a form of an infection and should not be ignored.

Have A Safe & Fun Halloween

Let Halloween be a safe time this year for you and your family. If you choose to dress up, use safe special effects or colored contacts, always follow the instructions and do not obstruct yours or your child’s vision. If you have any further questions, please feel to contact us Dr. Amy Walden & Associates, your Carmel Eye Doctor, and we will be glad to help make this Halloween as enjoyable as possible.