October is Halloween Safety Month, an initiative led by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) to raise awareness about costume-related eye injuries and vision hazards.
As you prepare for Halloween, here are a few gentle reminders to help keep your eyes safe.
1. Be Careful with Colored Contact Lenses
Decorative contact lenses may complete your costume, but buying them without a prescription can put your vision at risk. Poorly fitting lenses can scratch the cornea, cause painful infections, and potentially lead to permanent vision loss.
Always get a prescription and proper fitting from an eye care professional. Purchase lenses only from sellers that require a prescription.
2. Choose Eye-Safe Costumes
- Choose masks with large, clear eyeholes so your vision is not obstructed.
- Avoid sharp or pointed props near your face.
- Carry a flashlight and add reflective tape to your costume when trick-or-treating at night.
3. Practice Safe Eye Makeup Habits
Avoid sharing eye makeup, face paints, or other cosmetic products. Test eyelash glue beforehand to help prevent allergic reactions, and remove all makeup before going to sleep.
4. Know the Warning Signs
If you wear contact lenses and experience eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or a feeling that something is stuck in your eye, seek prompt evaluation from an eye care professional. These symptoms may indicate a corneal abrasion or infection.
Keep Your Eyes Safe This Halloween
Contact lenses are medical devices that require proper fitting, cleaning, and care. Whether you are dressing up for a party or taking the family trick-or-treating, protecting your eyes is an important part of enjoying the season.
For more educational resources, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Halloween eye safety resources.
Experiencing eye discomfort or vision changes? Call us at (804) 270-3333 to schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Pradhan at Eye Doctor MD, PC.
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Sources:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/avoid-these-four-dangers-of-non-prescription-conta
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/halloween-cosplay-colorful-contacts-eye-safety
https://www.med.unc.edu/ophth/2026/10/2026-halloween-eye-safety/
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/halloween-eye-safety-printable-infographics
Dr. Shilpi Pradhan is a board-certified ophthalmologist, cornea specialist, and founder of Eye Doctor MD PC. Beyond providing advanced clinical treatments for dry eye disease, she guides patients in adopting targeted lifestyle changes to improve both their eye health and overall whole-body wellness. As one of the first Virginia ophthalmologists board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine (2020) and a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), Dr. Pradhan combines modern ocular care with evidence-based nutrition and habit changes to support long-term Vision Healthspan.