Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year, but it’s also a time when eye injuries become surprisingly common. According to Prevent Blindness, hundreds of Halloween-related eye injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms every year.

Whether you’re planning costumes for your kids or celebrating yourself, a few simple safety steps can help make sure the night is full of treats—not trips to the ER.*

Costumes and Vision Safety

Vision is key to enjoying the night safely, especially when walking outdoors or in dim light. Here are some important reminders from Prevent Blindness:

• Skip masks or accessories that block vision. Instead, choose hypoallergenic face paint or makeup.
• Avoid floppy hats, scarves, or wigs that can slip over the eyes.
• Tie hats and headpieces securely to keep them in place.
• Avoid costumes that drag on the ground to prevent tripping and falling.
• Skip sharp props such as swords, wands, or spears that can injure someone’s eyes.
• Add reflective tape to costumes or treat bags to help drivers see trick-or-treaters.
• Carry a flashlight to brighten dark paths and watch for uneven sidewalks.
• Walk, don’t run, and obey all traffic signals.

If your child is younger, always accompany them around the neighborhood. Older children should go in groups, and everyone should stay in well-lit areas.

Pro Tip: Consider trick-or-treating during daylight hours or attending a community Halloween party as safer and equally fun alternatives.

Beware of Cosmetic Contact Lenses

Decorative contact lenses—like those that make eyes look like a cat, zombie, or vampire—may seem like a fun costume detail, but they can be extremely dangerous if used without medical supervision.

Improperly used cosmetic lenses can cause:

• Eye infections
• Corneal scratches or ulcers
• Swelling and severe eye pain
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Even permanent vision loss

To stay safe:

• Never buy cosmetic lenses without a prescription.
• Never share or borrow lenses.
• Make sure teens understand the risks before they put on costume lenses.

If you or your child wears prescription contacts for vision correction, only use lenses provided by your eye doctor.

Makeup and Eye Health

Face paint and makeup are a great alternative to masks—but only when used safely:

• Choose hypoallergenic makeup to reduce irritation.
• Have an adult apply and remove makeup gently using cold cream, not soap.
• Don’t apply makeup too close to the eyes, and throw it away if it causes redness or itching.

Safe Treats and Decorations

A few final reminders to keep the evening hazard-free:

• Check all candy and treats for tampering before eating.
• Inspect small toys or novelties for choking hazards, especially for children under 3. Avoid giving lollipops to small children, as the sticks can cause eye injuries if they fall.
• Keep your porch, steps, and walkway well lit and clear of obstacles.
• Be careful with candles and jack-o’-lanterns. Keep open flames away from costumes and decorations to prevent fires.

Protecting Vision Year-Round

As members of our Glaucoma Community know, eye safety matters every day—not just at Halloween. Simple precautions can help protect your own eyes and your family’s vision from injury or infection.

This Halloween, let’s celebrate safely, see clearly, and enjoy the fun with confidence.

* Prevent Blindness (2025). “Tips for Making Halloween Save”. preventblindness.org

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