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While Halloween can be an exciting and festive time for all trick-or-treaters and party-goers, it can also be dangerous. Millions of adults and children enjoy dressing up for the occasion, but be sure to follow these tips to avoid a a real life “scary” situation.
Below are some tips on Halloween Eye Safety.
1. Avoid costumes that block vision
Be sure masks, wigs and eye patches don't block visibility. Some masks are very dangerous for children because they block their side vision. A better, safer option is to decorate your child's face with face paint
2. Use make-up safely
If you decide to disguise your child with make-up instead of a mask, use hypo-allergenic options and keep it away from the eyes. Have an adult apply the makeup and remove it with cold cream instead of soap and water. Bonus tip: carry a wet towel or washcloth in case the make-up begins to run while trick-or-treating.
3. Don't allow sharp objects to be used as props
Avoid pointed props such as spears, swords or wands that endanger other children's eyes. Sharp, pointed props endanger your child eyes as well as the eyes of other children.
4. Beware of wearing decorative contact lenses without an evaluation and fitting by an eye doctor
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that people who buy and wear decorative contact lenses do so only with a proper eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor. Remember that contact lenses are medical devices and require a valid prescription. Be on the safe side and have your eye doctor fit them on your child. If not used safely, contact lens use can lead to vision loss
5. Carry a flashlight
Carry a bright flashlight to illuminate sidewalks, steps and paths. If it is a dark night, your child will not be able to see holes in yards or missing porch steps. A flashlight will also make your child more visible to drivers.
6. Make sure costumes are reflective
Wear bright, reflective clothing or have reflective patches somewhere on the costume if you are going out at night in your costume.
Sources: vision.about.com/od/eyeexaminations/tp/Halloween_Safety.htm, preventblindness.org , nebraska.aoa.org and aoa.org.
More Halloween Safety Tips from the FDA: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm230283.htm
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