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Jeepers, Creepers, Protect Those Peepers

Be Aware of Potential Halloween Hazards to Prevent Eye Injuries

The Harry Potter Professor McGonagall hat looks magical on Katie, but the huge brim is blocking her vision. Johnny is quite the green ogre in his Shrek mask, but he can't see where he is going and has not even left the house. Halloween traditions such as costumes and trick-or-treat are as American as apple pie, but if proper precautions are not followed, eye injuries can occur.

Prevent Blindness America (PBA) offers the following safety tips to help keep your child safe on Halloween:

• Wear hypoallergenic makeup. Have an adult apply the makeup and remove it with cold cream instead of soap. Use makeup in place of masks.
• Avoid costumes with masks, wigs, floppy hats or eye patches that block vision.
• Tie hats and scarves securely so they won't slip over children's eyes.
• Avoid costumes that drag on the ground to prevent tripping or falling.
• Avoid pointed props such as spears, swords or wands that may harm other children's eyes.
• Wear bright, reflective clothing or decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape/patches.
• Carry a bright flashlight to improve visibility.
• Do not ride a bike/scooter/skateboard or roller blade while wearing a costume.
• Obey all traffic signals – pedestrian and driver.
• Inspect all trick-or-treat items for signs of tampering before allowing children to eat them.
• Carefully inspect any toys or novelty items received by kids age 3 and younger. These may pose a choking hazard. Avoid giving young kids lollipops, as the sticks can cause eye injuries.

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