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Physicians in the Chicago area state that most Halloween accidents occur between 4PM and 10 PM due to vision obstruction. Be sure costumes and masks give those little ghosts and goblins have a clear view of traffic, are not running out in the streets and are visible to drivers by having a flashlight or glow in the dark costumes or accessories.
If a sword, cane or stick is part of a costume make sure it is not sharp or long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he or she stumbles or trips causing puncture wounds or injuries that penetrate the eye.
The most common eye specific injuries during Halloween is caused by decorative contact lenses. Contact lenses found in novelty shops, salons, Halloween shops or online are not FDA-approved and are being sold illegally. Contact lenses are medical devices and should be treated as such. Decorative or cosmetic lenses have also been found to contain chlorine.
“Just ten hours after she first put in a pair of colored contact lenses that she had purchased at a souvenir shop, Laura Butler of Parkersburg, WVA. Had extreme pain in both eyes,” she said. “Because I had not been properly fitted by an eye care professional, the lenses stuck to my eyes like suction cups.”
It isn’t uncommon for children to break glow sticks, splashing the liquid into their eyes. Some glow sticks contain a chemical called dibutyl phthalate and hydrogen peroxide. If your child has gotten this substance in their eyes, the liquid from the glows sticks doesn’t usually cause serve long term injury, but can cause alarming eye pain. Rinse the eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes at a comfortable temperature and blinking the eyes will reduce the pain. While rinsing call your local poison control center. If there is any ongoing irritation, swelling, pain or sensitivity to light consult a physician.
Is one evening of fun worth the potential of severe pain and damage of the eye? Keep it safe and have a happy Halloween.
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