Halloween Eye Safety: Makeup, False Lashes, Glitter, and Contact Lenses

Halloween is a chance to get creative with costumes, dramatic makeup, false lashes, and special effects. However, anything used around the eyes requires extra care. Makeup particles, lash adhesive, glitter, and improperly used contact lenses can lead to irritation, scratches, infections, and other eye problems. At Kapperman McGarvey Eye Group, we want our Chattanooga patients to enjoy Halloween while keeping their eyes comfortable and healthy.

Be Careful With Halloween Eye Makeup

Heavy eyeliner, face paint, and special effects makeup can make a costume stand out, but products used too close to the eye may cause irritation. Choose cosmetics designed for use around the eyes and avoid applying eyeliner directly along the inner edge of the eyelid.

Never share eye makeup, brushes, or applicators with someone else. Sharing products can spread bacteria that may contribute to an eye infection. It is also important to remove all eye makeup before going to sleep, even after a late Halloween celebration.

Watch for warning signs such as:

•          Persistent redness or irritation

•          Eye pain or sensitivity to light

•          Excessive tearing or discharge

•          Blurry or suddenly changing vision

•          Swelling around the eyelids

If symptoms continue after removing your makeup, an eye exam may be needed.

Use False Lashes and Adhesive Carefully

False eyelashes should be applied with clean hands using an adhesive intended specifically for lashes. Avoid allowing glue to come into contact with the surface of the eye or inner eyelid.

When the night is over, remove false lashes slowly rather than pulling them off. Tugging can irritate the eyelid and surrounding skin. Any remaining adhesive should also be removed carefully according to the product instructions.

Keep Glitter Away From Your Eyes

Glitter can be especially troublesome because small particles can fall into the eye and become trapped beneath the eyelid. This may cause significant irritation or even scratch the cornea.

Avoid using craft glitter around the eyes. Even cosmetic glitter labeled for facial use should be applied cautiously and kept away from the lash line and surface of the eye. If glitter gets into your eye, avoid rubbing it. Rinsing the eye may help remove loose particles, but persistent discomfort should be evaluated by an eye care professional.

Don't Take Chances With Halloween Contact Lenses

Decorative or costume contact lenses can dramatically change your appearance, but they should be treated like any other contact lens. Contact lenses require a proper prescription and fit - even if they do not correct your vision.

Never borrow costume contacts from a friend or purchase lenses from an unregulated seller without an eye examination and prescription. Poorly fitting lenses may damage the surface of the eye or increase the risk of infection.

If you wear contact lenses with Halloween makeup, insert your lenses with clean hands before applying cosmetics. At the end of the night, remove your contacts before removing your eye makeup. Never sleep in lenses unless they are specifically prescribed for overnight wear.

If Halloween makeup, glitter, false lashes, or contact lenses leave your eyes red, painful, or irritated, schedule an eye exam with Kapperman McGarvey Eye Group. Contact our office in Chattanooga, TN by calling (423) 892-2020 to book an appointment.